ST. JOHN BOSCO PARISH FIESTA

by Vi Hernandez

From January 20 to 28, 2012, Salesian priests celebrated the Novena Masses at 6:00 in the evening in preparation for the feast day of our Parish’s patron saint, St. John Bosco on January 31. In keeping with this year’s strenna (a single sentence mission order for the year from the Salesian Director General to all Salesians worldwide), the general theme for this year’s fiesta was “Knowing and Imitating Don Bosco” with specific supporting themes for each day of the Novena. The nine guest priests allowed parishioners and devotees to get to know more of the different facets of this beloved saint and hopefully thereafter, strive to imitate his many good qualities. The topics of the different homilies during the 6:00 PM Mass were:

• Don Bosco - the Educator of the Youth

• DonBosco - the priest of Confession

• Don Bosco - a faithful Servant of the Church

• Don Bosco - a Man of Prayer

• Don Bosco -a Builder of Churches and Communities

• Don Bosco - a true Devotee and promoter of Mary

• Don Bosco - a Statesman

• Don Bosco - a man of peace

• Don Bosco- Priest of the Holy Eucharist

It was on April 1, 1934, that Don Bosco was given the rare honor of being canonized by Pope Pius XI who presented to the Salesians as a gift, a picture of Don Bosco with a Latin inscription which when translated says, “God gave Don Bosco a great heart, a love shared in abundance like the sand on the seashore”. These words have proved prophetic. To date, Don Bosco’s heroic love has reached many shores where it continues to be replicated by 15,762 Salesians in over 130 countries.

CO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2011

by Tess Colayco

“Re-Awakening to the Contemplative Dimension of Life”... This was the theme of this year’s CO Annual Conference which was held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in San Francisco, U.S.A. from Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2011. Three members of COP, namely, Grace Padilla, Billie Trinidad and the author attended the Day of Enrichment on Dec. 1, 2011.

As in all CO Annual Conferences, it was an experience of “Formation” and “Information”, allowing for activities that were spiritually nourishing (i.e., periods of centering prayer and reflection, celebration of the Eucharist, soulfriending, etc.) as well as having workshops, talks by highly qualified presenters, and offering books, tapes and videos on the spiritual journey.

Although Fr. Thomas Keating was unable to attend the Conference, he was still very much present, welcoming the participants and giving the Closing Message as well, via video from St. Benedict’s Monastery where he resides. His words were inspiring and challenging, exhorting the members of CO (Contemplative Outreach), both present and everywhere else in the world, to live life from a contemplative view. Basically it means seeing the world with “new eyes”, seeing God in all and all in God. Talking of evolution, Fr. Keating said “the new emphasis of evolution is spiritual”. As for the relationship between nature and grace (no contradiction there), “grace and nature build together”. In fact, “nature can be a door into the knowledge of God.”

It was heartening to see Fr. Thomas looking hale and hearty despite his advanced age.

The highly respected speakers from Academe and the Sciences were also very effective in delivering their scholarly and well-researched presentations. The topics were: “Neuroscientific Approaches to Centering Prayer: What can the brain teach us about this practice?”, “Centering Prayer: A Healing Response to Everyday Stress”, Educating Minds and Hearts: Contemplation and the Next Generation”, and “The Contemplative Dimension of Centering Prayer: Transforming Obstacles into Aides for Spiritual Growth”.

In between the presentations and workshops, Conference participants had many opportunities to browse and purchase books, videos and other informational materials, some of which were given away for free. Much time was also spent mingling with other CO members/guests, renewing friendships, networking and soulfriending. It was heartening to be in the midst of kindred souls, bonding and feeling the Oneness that is the Divine amongst us, in us.

Kudos to CO Ltd., especially to the Officers headed by Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, and the Organizing Committee headed by Marie Howard, on yet another very successful Annual Conference!

“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” (Teilhard de Chardin). That sentiment shared by all of us who were at San Francisco in Sept/Oct. 2011 truly characterized the Annual Conference. Deo gratias!

"Here Come the Lonely Ones" - Contemplative Song

Science, Evolution and Divine Union (Video)

LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP

by Rachelle Rule

On Octobeber 8, 2011, Contemplative Outreach Philippines held a workshop on Lectio Divina for the general public. This activity took place at Roozen Hall of St. John Bosco Parish, Makati, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Attended by 30 participants, Charit Montalban facilitated the event.

Lectio Divina is Latin for "divine reading". It is a traditional spiritual practice dating back to the Desert Fathers/Mothers of the early Church. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to listen, reflect, and, finally respond to God's Word, all in the context of one's ordinary daily life.

After a Lectio Divina workshop, participants often say that the experience leaves them with a refreshed spirit and an increased eagerness to experience God in Sacred Scripture. Both monastics and lay people find the prayer a beautiful way to deepen one's relationship with God thru Scripture, hearing and interiorizing it at ever deepening levels.

To inquire about future workshops on Lectio Divina, please call the COP Secretariat at tel. no. 501-5231 (Tuesday to Saturday) or visit the website of Contemplative Outreach Philippines at www.cophil.org

CP INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP AT ST. JOHN BOSCO PARISH STA. ROSA LAGUNA

A CP Introductory Workshop was held at St. John Bosco Parish Sta. Rosa, Laguna last Nov. 26 – Nov. 27, 2011. With the active support of Parish Priest, Fr. Rolo Alcasid, SDB, the workshop was organized by Susan Rivera.

Pixie Cuisia facilitated the 2-day workshop which was attended by 50 participants. Anna Marie Llanos, head of Retreats and Workshops, and her St. Jerome CPG helped staff the workshop.

NEWS DECEMBER 2011

On Dec. 3, 2011, COP held its Christmas Party at Roozen Hall, St. John Bosco Parish. The very successful event started with a Contemplative Mass at 9 AM celebrated by our very own “Monsi” Oracion. After the Eucharistic celebration, the group of 120 COP men and women proceeded to Roozen Hall for a few hours of fellowship (i.e., games, musical program and lunch.) Meny de la Rosa, head of Socials in the Circle of Service was in charge of the whole event. Emcees were Miren Sun and Carmel Dael while Rita Go was in charge of Games. The happy event ended at 2:00 PM with the whole community forming a circle, linking hands, led by Malou Alzate, and singing together a most apropos song, “Sing a Song” and before that, “Healing our World”.

For this year's Contemplative Outreach (CO) Annual Conference, 3 COP members – Grace Padilla, Billie Trinidad and Tess Colayco, went to San Francisco in the U.S. to attend the Enrichment Day on Oct. 1, 2011. The 3-day Conference was held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Burlingame, CA, with the theme: “ReAwakening to the Contemplative Dimension of Life.” It was a most enriching and heartwarming experience listening to the magnificent talks/presentations by the Conference speakers, and bonding with fellow centering pray-ers and spiritual companions. (Please refer to accompanying article. Click here.)

On Oct. 15, 2011, the Circle of Service (COS) of Contemplative Outreach Phil. (COP) held its Annual Planning Meeting at the home of Anna Marie Llanos in Alabang. The whole day activity started at 9:30 AM with centering prayer after which Terly Chikiamco, COS Convenor facilitated the discussion re plans for the coming year (i.e., workshops/retreats, formation classes, fellowship activities, etc.) An evaluation of the previous year's programs and activities as well as recommendations for the future were also taken up with each committee head giving her input. (Please refer to Events page for 2012 Schedule of COP activities).

To celebrate her birthday in Oct., Anna Marie served a sumptuous lunch and merienda, motivating the 10 member COS to do their brainstorming with even more enthusiasm and energy. It was also on this occasion that the new COP Adviser, Grace Padilla, formally expressed her acceptance of her new role in the community. (Please refer to accompanying article. Click here.)

For our monthly Formation Class, Dr. Carmen (Pinky) Valdes gave a presentation/ workshop on the Enneagram on Oct. 24, 2011 at Santuario de San Antonio. The 45 participants were all interested to know more about their personality type (i.e., strengths/weaknesses, natural inclination/aversions, similarities/differences with other personality types, etc.) There was a lively Q& A during the 5 hour presentation on the Enneagram. A workbook was also given to each of the participants which further explained this ancient and Sufi-based personality theory. During the working lunch, we gave written answers to the questions in the workbook referring to our individual personality type. The workshop was helpful in our journey towards self-awareness and more loving interpersonal relationships.

On Nov. 3-4, 2011, Tess Colayco and some members of CO, Singapore got together to renew friendships and share news/information re their centering prayer groups. Michael and Agnes Lim happily recalled their CP retreat in the past with Fr. Martin O'Loghlen who used to go to Singapore/Malaysia during the time that he was based here in Manila. In Indonesia, a CP group is slowly growing, per Michael. Suzan Ling, now volunteer Counsellor, (her outreach), in a parish in Singapore asked about the possibility of ordering books by Fr. Keating from the COP Secretariat. We also met with Madeline Soo, once a Servant Leader in CO, Ltd., and our Formator in 2004 during the Asia-Australia Contemplative Outreach Meeting at Lake Island, Binangonan. While in Singapore, we informed our CP friends in the Garden City about a plan of COP to organize an Intensive Retreat to be held at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO, in Sept. 2012. (Billie Trinidad is coordinating the event.)

The last CPG (Centering Prayer Group) Heads Quarterly Meeting was held last Nov. 19 at the Secretariat. Most of the 18 CPG Heads were present for the afternoon meeting which was meant to be an updating on COP activities, as well as a sharing of the current status of the different CPG's. At the same time it was an opportunity for the CPG Heads to meet the new COP Adviser, Grace Padilla. Facilitating the meeting was Dedette Gamboa, Head of the CPG Circle of Service. (Please see accompanying article. Click here.)

COP was requested by Sr. Loi Nemis of the Sister Handmaids of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul to give an Introduction to Centering Prayer Retreat for their congregation in Tagaytay City on Dec. 29-30, 2011. This is an offshoot of an inter-congregational Intro CP Retreat that their novices had attended previously which was given by Pixie Cuisia. For the Dec. retreat, Charit Montalban will be the presenter. Thirty participants are expected to attend the retreat.

Two new CPG’s (Centering Prayer Groups) have been added to our list. Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! The new CPG’s and their contact info are the ff:

ADVENT: WATCHING AND WAITING

by Rachelle Rule

“Life has become exceedingly hectic...“ So begins a video of CO Ltd., “Reaching Out to the World”. We are surrounded by hectic. We hurry to work, crowd into buses, jeepneys, tricyles; we sit impatiently in traffic jams, our foot hovers halfway between jumpstart and idling as we wait out the red light at the intersection. And as the video also states: "As I continue in that sort-of frenetic pace, I find that I forget about God". Why? Because hurrying almost always generates a noise, a distraction from other things. Hurry takes away silence from us, leaving us harassed, impatient, stressed out. And when one is impatient and stressed out, indeed it is easy to forget about God.

Advent is upon us. We probably know the textbook definition of Advent (from the Latin word “adventus” meaning "coming"). It is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday, called Levavi. (Catholic online: http://www.catholic.org). Four Sundays of preparation. Of watching. Of waiting. And not just ordinary waiting. This is the time of silence. This is the time when waiting and silence are not separate but one. This is the time when we are called to slow down to quiet watchfulness, and prepare for the arrival of Someone greater than one’s self.

Advent is not the time when we prepare for Christmas but the time in which we are being prepared for Christmas. Advent is a time when we are asked to be quiet and still in the middle of all the partying, cooking, shopping, Christmas tree decorating, etc. We are asked to slow down, to be awake, watching and waiting in silence for the God who is coming.

Waiting in silence, giving up more and more of a space inside us so God can be more and more within us, is something that all practitioners of centering prayer know. Advent is that time of the Christian liturgical year when we practice the waiting for something and hoping and trusting in that which is to come. And once that "something" does come, we allow ourselves to be caught up in it and to be changed by it into its own form and image (fruits and gifts of the Spirit!). For if after Advent, nothing happens out of the watching and waiting and we just return to our “normal” lives, then we really never changed, it is not a true Advent, it is not a true preparation for Christmas and not a true preparation for the arrival of the Christ into our lives.

I remember reading about an observation by Thomas Merton wherein he said that life is a perpetual Advent. I agree with him. After nearly four years of being with COP, learning and practicing centering prayer, it has been four years of learning to watch and wait and be silent. And just like Christmas that follows Advent, it has also been four years of welcoming God deep within me, four years of consenting to be changed by Him, four years of my own Fiat.

Four years of letting God be God in my life. Everything is grace. And I am grateful.

Father God, continue to foster in me Your spirit of watchfulness and patient waiting in silence, so that when Your Son comes, I may truly welcome Him and know what it is to be dwelt in by Him. Amen.

MY HEART THIS ADVENT

by Fr. Ting Miciano

As we enter the last month of the year 2011, our minds, perhaps by conditioning or by sheer media influence, think of Christmas and New Year! Along with these events come the most pleasant experiences, the best times, our highest wishes and most heartfelt desires. Yes, Christmas and the New Year bring out in us the best in ourselves. And why not? The human person is destined for great things. Ironically, it is this desire for great things which Christmas provokes in us that can give meaning to this period before Christmas.

Yes, my dear friends, Christmas might be so near, but it’s not yet. In the Liturgical Year (the schedule or calendar which the Church follows throughout the year), we are still in the period called Advent, which means “coming”. The 4 weeks before Christmas are meant to prepare us to celebrate and embrace that most glorious day of Christ's birth most worthily. The Church prepares us by its liturgy (celebrations in the Church, particularly the Holy Eucharist), prayers and practices. But there is one crucial element of the Advent season that we must not forget, and it deals with our desires and wishes.

In one of the many sermons of St. Augustine, I read this interesting line on prayer, “Why He should ask us to pray, when He knows what we need before we ask Him, may perplex us if we do not realize that our Lord and God does not want to know what we want (for He cannot fail to know it) but wants us rather to exercise our desire through our prayers, so that we may be able to receive what He is preparing to give us. His gift is very great indeed, but our capacity is too small and limited to receive it. That is why we are told: Enlarge your desires.” St. Augustine wants to emphasize those elements which motivate our prayers: our desires, our hopes, our wishes and dreams. What do we want? What do we crave for, really deep in our hearts? Yes, our saint wants us to move from the mere mention of objects to focusing on motives, and big motives at that. Now, once we know exactly what we want, he tells us “to enlarge your desires”. Wish for the greater things, hope for the impossible and desire more. By this, he means not quantity but quality, not temporal gifts but for dreams and wishes that really matter, especially in terms of our salvation. Instead of just asking only for Christmas gifts, why not ask also to grow in Christian virtue? Instead of merely asking for peace in your family, why not ask also for peace for the whole world? Instead of simply praying for protection from sickness or accidents, why not also pray for the eradication of world poverty and hunger? Instead of praying only for the love of your life, why not also pray for the increase of charity and forgiveness all around? In our desires and wishes, let us not be limited by our ignorance or the misconception that “it’s too much for God to grant”. God is too good not to give us the best and the most. With St. Augustine, let us enlarge our capacity to receive by enlarging our desires and dreams when we pray.

‒ Reprinted from the December 2011 Issue of Simbahay

The Official Newsletter of St. John Bosco Parish, Makati

CPG HEADS QUARTERLY MEETING

by Dedette Gamboa

Each quarter, Centering Prayer Group (CPG) Heads meet together to give an update on the status of their respective groups, to bring up any issues that their group members may have, and to be informed of forthcoming COP activities.

The last CPG Heads meeting for 2011 was held on Nov.18 at the COP office in St. John Bosco Parish, Makati. It was a well attended meeting during which we introduced to the group the new COP adviser, Grace Padilla.

The meeting started promptly at 1:30 PM with an opening prayer, followed by a brief introduction of Grace to the members. The group was then apprised of the forthcoming activities of COP for the rest of 2011 (i.e, Formation Class on Nov. 28 and the COP Christmas Party on December 3) and the planned activities for 2012.

With business matters taken care of, each CPG head was then asked to give our Adviser a short briefing on the status of their respective CPG's including any issues that they may have at present. A key concern/issue that resurfaced was the inability of members to attend the monthly formation classes which are held in Makati mostly due to the problem of distance. To address this issue, mobile formation classes will be revived with Charit Montalban making herself available for this. Grace Padilla has also volunteered to visit and give formation talks to requesting groups.

To jumpstart 2012, a Day of Renewal for CPG heads and their alternates is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2012 at Santuario de San Antonio from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Also, as part of the formation of the group, Module 3 and Module 4 of the Spiritual Journey tapes of Father Keating will be taken up facilitated by Billie Trinidad and Grace Padilla.

In the future, each Quarterly Meeting of CPG Heads will include faith sharing by CPG heads who may volunteer to talk on the fruits of CP in their lives, and Contemplative Service. This will serve as an inspiration for the members to persevere in their prayer and in their ministry as CPG Heads.

The meeting ended with Grace giving some of her thoughts and ideas on how to deepen the spirituality of COP members for next year.

REFLECTIONS ON "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" FORMATION CLASS

What struck me most during Pinky's talk was the idea of using the space between the time a situation arises and one’s reaction to it. The fact that I have time to think about my response and deliberately, consciously decide what to do rather than act on impulse (i.e., knee-jerk reaction) is useful information. I am not automatically programmed to react mindlessly. This space can be an occasion for spiritual growth, an opportunity given to us every moment of the day.

‒ Marge Tambunting

What is the meaning of my life right now? For me it is having this relationship with my Abba, allowing Him to take charge of my life, surrendering and obeying, consenting to whatever is there. Sometimes it is still hard but He has said, "Just have faith." I know He will see me thru. Now I do things that I had not thought of doing previously with joy, humility, patience. What’s more I enjoy doing it. Life is beautiful!

‒ Minda Villamayor

Pinky’s talk allowed me to take a closer look at myself. There is a creative tension between my intention and my actual behavior, one that can be explained by the Human Condition with its conflicts and dilemmas. Thru the formation talks, I feel surer about the path I must take in my spiritual journey.. . Thank you, Jesus, for speaking thru Pinky!

‒ Popsy M. Aquino

The formation talks have broadened my perspective and understanding of Spirituality. I feel blessed with my new learnings and hope to share them with others.

‒ Marite Dichoso

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Rachelle Rule

“People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates.”

 ‒ Thomas Szasz, "Personal Conduct," The Second Sin, 1973

Attending a formation class of Pinky Valdes is, for me, very much an act of creation. With deep insight, wit and humor, Pinky led all of us in analyzing the dynamics of the characters of the movie, "Phantom of the Opera" last July 25, 2011 and Aug. 22, 2011. At the same time she explained how this movie was actually a reflection of our own Human Condition, leading to our discovery and acceptance of our shadow side (including our inner hurts and traumas) as a way of healing our personas.

During the class, while reflecting and sharing our views on the movie especially as it applied to us individually, I realized that this was no random passive process. I had to choose to deliberately and bravely step out and create this new and whole person that I am meant to be, a child of God (also referred to as the True Self.) I do this thru Centering Prayer, a spiritual practice and anchor in my life that appears to be passive, but is in fact a dynamic process allowing my True Self to come to the fore while diminishing my False Self (i.e., who I think I am because of what I have, what I do, what others think of me.)

SPIRITUALITY AND A MEANINGFUL LIFE
by Josie Valderrama

To answer Pinky’s question during our Formation Class: “What is a meaningful life for me?” Life has meaning for me as long as I am able to contribute some love, truth, goodness, kindness, beauty.

As to my understanding of Spirituality, for me it is the personal experience of my own will, desire and longing to give and receive love, goodness, kindness. To know truth and to create beauty, order and balance. It is the experience of my personal “brokenness” and “woundedness” (terms of Jean Vanier & Henri Nouwen). It embodies the “Phantom” (as Pinky explained the character from the film), Persona and Shadow, and the small self (Jung). All of these that I lay bare and with awe, before the Presence of a Source of Love, Life, Light within, all around, yet beyond my knowing and understanding. It is my life-long journey/struggle/prayer to remain attentive, attuned and responsive to that Source who we call God and who Jesus taught us to call our "ABBA" - Father.

“Growing on the Way to Infinity”, the topic of Pinky’s 2-part Formation Talk is excellent! She speaks of the spiritual journey with such depth and wisdom yet the way she presents it is simple and grounded in our very human experience.

SOUNDS TRUE OFFERING
From Spirituality and Practice Website - Sept. 2011

Our October E-Courses plus three Offerings from Sounds True

Dear Friends,

In October we will be looking at the meaning of our lives from two lenses. One is the lens of Jungian psychology as James Hollis takes us through a process of living the questions; exploring myth and meaning, eros and desire; developing intimate relationships; accepting ambiguity; coping with loss; exploring creativity and foolish passions; expressing gratitude; and more.

The second lens is contemplative practice, specifically the practice of discernment. Our friends at Contemplative Outreach will help us deepen our ability to listen to God through prayer and LectioDivina and then allow the love of God to motivate our actions and manifest through us.

Please read the brief descriptions of these programs below and go to the sign-up pages for more information.
We appreciate your support of our e-courses and online retreats.

Salaam, Shalom, Shanti, Peace

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

October 10 - November 4, 2011

"We discover what it means to truly pray 'not my will, but Thy will.' " ‒ Contemplative Outreach

Contemplative Discernment is a one-month retreat on contemplative discernment, a process of opening and listening to receive clues about who we are in God. We focus on ever-deepening levels of relationship and trust in God and purifying our motivations. This retreat will be led by Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler and Fr. Carl Arico, who with Fr. Thomas Keating are the principal servant-leaders of Contemplative Outreach, a worldwide contemplative movement. The retreat consists of email lessons, mini-practices, audio recordings, a live teleconference, guidance in LectioDivina using 1 Corinthians 13, and community sharing in an online Practice Circle.

"VENI, SANCTE SPIRITUS"

by Tess Colayco

To prepare for the solemnity of Pentecost, St. John Bosco Parish held a triduum from June 9 to June 11, 2011 which was highlighted by a Holy Hour and Benediction after the 6 PM Mass. On the last day of the triduum, a Taize prayer service was held with the youth of the Parish leading the faithful in chanting Taize meditative music.

In-charge of the Taize prayer service was Welly Cuna, head of the Don Bosco Youth Ministry. During the vigil service, in between chanting the beautiful songs (i.e., Veni, Sancte Spiritus, Nada Te Turbe, Ubi Caritas, Magnificat, O Lord, hear my prayer, etc.) the Gospel was read as well as the Encyclical of Pope John Paul ll, “Lord and Giver of Life”.

The encyclical was a most appropriate reading, emphasizing the fact that “in the Holy Spirit, the intimate life of the Triune God becomes totally gift, an exchange of mutual love between the divine Persons... It is the Holy Spirit who is the personal expression of this self-giving, of this being-love. He is Person-Love. He is Person-Gift.”

Interspersed with the chanting, were several periods of silence, giving the faithful time for reflection and just be-ing with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. This year’s Pentecost Holy Hour vigil was officiated by Fr. Ting Miciano, parish priest. It is Fr. Ting’s hope that there will be more opportunities for holding Taize prayer service in the parish, giving everyone an opportunity to experience this beautiful contemplative prayer form and liturgical worship.

Starting on Aug. 5, First Friday, and every First Friday thereafter, St. John Bosco Parish will hold a Holy Hour and vigil till midnight, after the 6 PM Mass. A Taize prayer service will be part of the liturgical adoration and worship. Everyone is invited.

LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP

by Pixie Cuisia

The John Paul ll Catechetics Institute sponsored a Lectio Divina workshop at Don Bosco Technical School, Makati, on May 20, 2011. Twenty six catechists from all over the Philippines, among them six nuns, took the workshop.

One of the teachings emphasized was the fact that words in Scripture “speak” to the practitioner so directly and concretely that it “connects” to the person’s present life situation. Then he is able to choose an appropriate response and live out the message in his life. Only then does the Word become “alive”.

The workshop, the third in three consecutive years requested by the sponsoring group, the John Paul 11 Catechetics Institute, was facilitated by the author who also gave the two previous workshops.

Contemplative Outreach Phil. accepts requests for both Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina workshops, from parish groups or faith communities. Please call the Secretariat at 501-5231 or email cop.secretariat@gmail.com (c/o Rachelle Rule).

"WHAT NEXT?"

by Billie Trinidad

Last June 27, 2011, COP members from different Centering Prayer Groups (CPG) trooped to Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati, for their monthly formation class. With her excellent credentials in the fields of Education, as well as in Spirituality and Theology, Pinky Valdez gave an inspiring and most enlightening talk about the human/spiritual journey.

“Act 2 or What Next?”, the main focus in Pinky’s talk was about us getting to a turning point in our lives where we need to review our motivations, decide what attitudes to have, evaluate our priorities in life, and also allow our image of God to grow.

It was good to be reminded that as we walk our journey, God is ACTING too. We can look at the different events and situations that happen to us as turning points opening the doors for God to enter into our lives. Our role is to be open and aware of God’s abiding presence at all times regardless of whether the event is great or not. Most important of all is our commitment to consent to God moment to moment.

EMBRACED BY GOD

by Conchitina S. Bernardo

How often have I written, “Lord please free me from suffering.” I do not like looking at crucifixes. I never meditate on the Crucifixion. I have never understood why Christ had to suffer dreadfully. I’m afraid of pain. I am a coward.

Our formation class last month given by Pinky (Valdez) made me see another side of the cross. (While living in Spain for many years, I had the good fortune of visiting Avila where I saw a Crucifixion drawing by St. John of the Cross. It was unusual in that Christ’s figure was presented as having been taken from above. This same sketch was shown in the video presentation by Pinky.)

In our formation class, Pinky’s powerful presentation made a profound impact on me. I found myself pondering on the mystery of God’s infinite and unconditional love for mankind, a love that led His Beloved Son to embrace the cross. As always when I get these graced moments, these spiritual insights, I am moved to tears, tears of comfort and utter gratefulness for God’s tremendous love for me, for all of humanity.

Pinky explained so beautifully how it’s possible to see the cross from God the Father’s perspective. It was a view that was so new to me. (The Crucifixion sketch by St. John of the Cross expresses this dimension very effectively.) When the Father looked down and saw His son hanging on the cross, it was as if He was saying, “Son, You have expressed the love I have for mankind, the overwhelming passion in my heart for all my people.” How often have we told someone we cherish, I love you so much I could die!”

Now I am seeing the Crucifixion with new eyes. Now I shall embrace the cross courageously, peacefully. No more will I fear it, instead I will revel in this divine love that is so perfect and so unconditional.

It was a most transformative morning, that morning of our formation class when Pinky showed us a whole new vista regarding the Crucifixion. I am brought to silence.

I find myself at the center where Love dwells. Deo gratias!

REFLECTIONS ON FORMATION TALK

From Bro. John Viterbo

“Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt 5:48). We keep trying to be perfect but because of our woundedness and traumas that are part and parcel of life, we struggle until we die. It’s only when we accept our human condition and brokenness that we are then able to accept ourselves. In the process we are also led to understand, accept and love others.

Christ taught us to love all people, regardless of who they are, their ethnicity, their preferences, their way of life. It is not for us to judge them but the invitation and challenge is for us to love them. The bottom line is, we are all brothers and sisters - children of one and the same God who is our Father.

From Dolly Galang

“Our life is like a play with 2 acts. First act refers to the early stages in our life when we’re busy earning a living, mothering and caring for our families. Act 2 is when we focus on our spirituality and our inner life with God. When we “shed the petals”, (i.e., lose what previously gave us a sense of security such as our accomplishments, material possessions, prestige, health, etc.), we come face to face with our inner selves.

We are now being invited by God to pay more attention to the things that really matter. We begin to see our true self that is made in the image and likeness of God. It changes our whole perspective on life.

From Millete T. Ocampo

“Yes, I can embrace a “powerless” God because He is a God of infinite love . His love is greater than His helplessness. Jesus/God stooped to being completely “powerless” on the Cross to show us the extent of his humility and willingness to share in our humanity, and offer a perfect sacrifice.

From Chuchi Segovia

Retiring from my long and active professional life could have led to a disheartening experience of uselessness and lack of meaning in life. But “losing” fame, power and control has instead become a joy for me. Amazing grace indeed!

Can I accept a God of “powerlessness”, one who is “helpless” (as He was on the Cross?) Ordinarily I would never associate God with suffering, loneliness and abandonment. But that is my ordinary human view of God. Ultimately there’s more to it than what I can see with my own limited mind.

God the Father looking down with utmost love on His crucified Son is so touching.

From Jhulie Teh

Pinky’s talk made me reflect on my life. Approaching my retirement from work, I am wondering what to do next. What’s Act 11 going to be like? Pinky’s analogy of the worm eating the apple down to its core and comparing that with what happens to us when we let our ego consume us, made a big impact on me.

The challenge is for me to shed off my false self (i.e., ego) little by little and allow my true self (i.e., the person God meant me to be) to rise.

From Dorothy Yu

Can I embrace a “powerless God”? All my life I have looked at God as someone who is almighty, one for whom nothing is impossible. All He has to do is say “Let it be done” and it is done. The idea of a “powerless God”, someone who is no longer able to answer my every wish and prayer because He is “helpless” (as when He was on the Cross), makes me ponder. Would I still embrace Him?

CPG HEADS HOLD SECOND QUARTER MEETING

by Dedette Gamboa

Last July 2, 2011, the heads of the various Centering Prayer Groups (CPG) of Contemplative Outreach Philippines (COP) held their 2nd Quarter Meeting at the COP Secretariat at St.John Bosco Parish, Makati.

Each of the CPG Heads was asked to report on the status of their group in terms of attendance, meeting format, formation requirements and the support being given to members in their spiritual journey.

The group was also updated and asked to encourage their members to attend and invite people to the workshops, retreats and formation talks lined up for the year. They were also informed about the mobile formation program that Charit Montalban would bring to CPG’s that find it difficult to attend the formation talks held at Santuario de San Antonio in Makati every last Monday of the month.

The meeting which was facilitated by the author ended with the inspiring and touching sharings by Vicky Wieneke and Beth Ngo on the fruits of Centering Prayer in their lives.

IN THE SILENCE GOD SPOKE

by Charit Montalban

The annual intensive retreat is always much awaited; this year it was also badly needed. Not only did 2011 start with an incredibly hectic quarter, a couple of days before the retreat, a very disturbing problem erupted. So it was that I arrived in Tagaytay very hurt, full of anger, and totally clueless as to how the problem will be resolved. But deep in my heart I knew I was in the right place to listen to God. And He did speak, right from the start and every single day.

Day 1, Sunday: God’s timing is perfect, His preparation absolutely thorough. I was prepped at morning Mass even before I left for the retreat . The First Reading was from Isaiah 55 :11 “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it”. I heard this as a promise indicating where I will find Him waiting for me.

The Gospel, the Sower and the Seed (Mt 13:23), was a reminder that the extended prayer periods of the retreat, 3 hours daily, will be the preparation for my soil (soul?) so that I can receive the seed, hear His words and understand His message.

God wastes no time and minces no words! In the Evening Prayers (Sunday, Wk III) before I retired He was very clear: (1Peter 2:21-23) “Christ suffered for you, and left you an example to have you follow in his footsteps. (Lead on Lord, how very consoling in my moment of pain.) He did no wrong; (Yes Lord, I can truly relate to that one. How terrible it is to be unjustly accused!) no deceit was found in His mouth. (Oops!) When He was insulted, he returned no insult. When he was made to suffer, He did not counter with threats. (Oh no!!! Is this what is being asked of me? C’mon, Lord, give me a break!)

Day 2, Monday: God is quick to re-enforce. I went to bed and woke up with the not-too exciting thought that there is no question that I want to “follow in his footsteps” but can I? His first come-on was in the First Reading (Exodus 1:12) when Pharaoh lamented “the more they (Israelites) were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread” (‘blessed’ the priest said in his homily) (Hmm...ok if you say so.) By communion I was smiling as we sang : “Be not afraid, I go before you always. Come follow me.” (O Lord, how can I NOT?)

Warning: God puts His finger where it really hurts! In the Evening Prayers (Mon Wk III), He showed me where my pain and anger were coming from: (James 4: 11-12) “Do not, my brothers, speak ill of one another. The one who speaks ill of his brother, or judges his brother, is speaking against the law. (Ouch...even if I am only letting off steam?) Who then are you to judge your neighbor?

(Bullseye! But this is a tough one, Lord.)

Day 3 & 4, Tuesday & Wednesday : God sheds light on truths that matter. Encouragement came early with Morning Prayers (Tues Wk III): “Sion sing, break into song! For within you is the Lord with His saving power.” (Ok then, onward, soldier!)

Wednesday Gospel (Mt 11:26) “...such is your gracious will, Father” (Within your will Lord are all the graces I will need to obey and accomplish it; all You need is my consent. This is one “yes” that will not be easy.)

Day 5, Thursday: God is very obvious and direct!: Today’s Gospel Mt 11: “and I will refresh you...learn from Me...for I am meek and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.“ (I get it Lord; the peace I seek is not in the removal of the burden but in bearing the burden Your way – with meekness and humility. And yes, I see that if I am meek and humble, I wouldn’t be so hurt and there won’t be much to be angry about.)

And so in the silence of those five days, God spoke as I knew He would and I am grateful, even though I did not pretty much like some of what He said!

Click here to view photos

POST-INTENSIVE RETREAT NOTES

by Tess Colayco

Twenty-seven COP long-time practitioners of centering prayer attended a Post-Intensive Retreat last July 10-14, 2011 at the St. John Mary Vianney Retreat House in Tagaytay City. Enveloped in an atmosphere of prayer, solitude and silence, the group started each day with the Eucharist, then did several hours of centering prayer as a community morning and afternoon, and ended the day with an Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hour, and Lectio Divina.

There was more than sufficient time also to rest and just “be”, as well as take walks and smell the flowers in the vast retreat center grounds and garden. With their vegetable garden awash with lettuce, tarragon, rosemary, peppermint and other herbs, the kitchen staff prepared delicious and nutritious meals and snacks for the retreatants.

A unique feature of the Post-Intensive Retreat was the observance of what is referred to as Grand Silence. Throughout the entire retreat, silence was observed strictly. Neither was there any input (audio, video or actual talk) unlike other Centering Prayer retreats where there is a presentation material for the retreatants’ formation. Even eye contact among the 27 retreatants and staff was discouraged.

During the closure on the last day of the retreat, every one was only too happy to have gone thru the whole experience even if initially some were not sure how they would be able to handle the silence and the many prayer periods. There was an overwhelming awareness of God’s abiding presence and His steadfast love. Also a desire to live daily life thru the contemplative path leading to union with God by “living ordinary life with extraordinary love”, and by committing fully to the spiritual journey.

The retreat was staffed by Anna Marie Llanos, Billie Trinidad, Terly Chikiamco, and Charit Montalban. Thank you so much, ladies! You exemplified contemplative service at its finest going about your chores with utmost love, peace and joy.

A big thank you also to Fr. Renato Naca, Center Director, and Sr. Letlet, in charge of Housekeeping, as well as the kitchen staff of St. John Mary Vianney Retreat Center. They made sure that we would have the perfect atmosphere for a beautiful leisure time with God.

(The following, an explanation of Grand Silence as practiced in a Post-Intensive Retreat is taken from the notes of Billie Trinidad who has been attending both Intensive as well as Post-Intensive retreats at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Co. since the 1990’s.

It was Fr. Thomas Keating himself who emphasized the value of observing Grand Silence at the retreats.)

“Grand Silence is one of the most important aspects of the Post Intensive Retreat. The purpose of this silence is to create a space for conversation with God. Aside from the obvious, Grand Silence means no eye contact even. That is also why it is recommended that retreatants spend time walking around and being aware of God’s presence all around them; allowing their 4 senses: touch, sight, hearing, tasting and feeling to remember God’s presence.”

Fr. Keating says: “In silence we are vibrating to the initial Word of God, not using words but vibrations of our brain or heart to the mysterious sound of the universe.”

FAITH IN THE RISEN CHRIST

by Fr. Ting Miciano, SDB, Parish Priest of St. John Bosco Parish, Makati

“In China, where there are many more Muslims than in Europe and more practicing Catholics than in Italy, and around 100M Buddhists, faith shapes many lives. Wherever you look today, religion matters. Faith motivates. (emphasis mine ‒ author) Understanding faith ‒ its demands, its trends, its structures ‒ can be as important as understanding a nation’s GDP, its business, its resources.”

– Tony Blair

Many people in our modern world will disagree with what I emphasized. I heard a friend comment that for some countries in the very near future, religion would no longer be relevant and would cease to exist. But while there are many more ‘supposedly’ religious people in the world today, religion and faith for them are just nice words and hardly meaningful realities. But for somebody who had recently converted to the Catholic faith, Mr. Blair knows what it means to possess a living faith in a living God. While religion “binds” us to a set of doctrines and ways of conduct, it is faith that is the heart of all religion. And our faith, which is the basis of all beliefs and practices deemed “catholic”, flows from the reality that Christ has risen from the dead! If we truly believe that our Catholic faith is still relevant in our world today, it is only because we believe that Christ is truly risen! That He has conquered sin and death, and everything else connected with them. This simple carpenter from Nazareth turned preacher and healer, who because of His trust and commitment to the Father, endured the tortures and humiliation of Good Friday and was crucified on the cross as a criminal, this Jesus becomes the point of reverence and the object of return for all mankind. Why? He proved that love once promised and persevered in will conquer the greatest fear of man, which is death. It is love, the Father’s love for Jesus that enabled Him to come back to life, so that all who believed in Him may share the same love, that which conquers death. This is what the resurrection of Jesus is all about. This is what Easter proclaims. The love of God in Jesus, through His death and resurrection, becomes the bedrock of our faith today.

– Reprinted from Simbahay, May 2011 issue

EASTER: A CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE

by Dominicanis

Forty days and a week from Ash Wednesday, on April 24 this year, when penances have been performed, Holy Thursday vigils held and Good Friday processions ended, on a night made rich with symbols and rituals dating to the first centuries of the Church, a people of faith shakes off cloaks of sorrow and atonement and dons new garments – the garments of great joy and festivity.

For it is on Easter Sunday that Christians rejoice – when we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and not just His Resurrection, but ours – we who exult in the promise of a new life, a birth which comes from a death. In believing that Christ has risen from the dead, we catch a glimpse of our own destiny – as Christians, our existence does not end in death, rather, death is our own birth into an eternal life with Christ.

Both Easter and baptism speak to us of this promise of life after death. Since the days of the first Christians, baptism is seen as a rebirth to a new life, a spiritual resurrection. Hence, it is only fitting that on the night of the Easter Vigil, baptism is the first sacrament that catechumens (persons, usually adults, who prepare for baptism) receive as a sign that they are beginning a new life of belonging to Christ and His body, the Church.

But more than mere symbolism of the Easter Vigil, adult baptism is the challenge for us who are already baptized in Christ, who are members of His Church. It is the challenge of Easter. And that challenge is this – just as Christ was raised to a new life, do we who call ourselves by His Name, live lives renewed? Paul’s letter to the Romans which is among the specially chosen readings of the Easter Vigil is clear on this – “We were indeed buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” (Rom 6:4)

We are an Easter people. And as Christians, this is our struggle, to set our hearts on things not of this world but of the “other-world” – to die to our old selves and renew our lives so we may be resurrected to an even newer life with Christ. This is our birthright. This is our Easter.

To new life! Alleluia! Alleluia!

– Reprinted from Simbahay, May 2011 issue

CALLING AND SERVICE

by Fr. Thomas Keating

We initiate service.

Service is when we are doing something for somebody.
The feeling that we have to do something easily causes resentment.
When it is a service chosen by us, we may feel out of control all day.

God initiates calling.

When God calls us to do something, there is a certain sense of peace
about doing it, even if it takes all day, or whatever time it takes.
When we know we are called, the results are all in God’s hands
and we don’t care what happens.
There is no anxiety, no ‘should’s.’
We trust that everything will be okay.

(From CO Ltd. E-News, April 2011)

TO SERVE AND TO BE SAVED

by Chuchi Daroy

“An obstacle to our service is the desire to be successful...Results are not our business, they are God’s “

– Grace Padilla on “Contemplative Service”

“O my Jesus, You do not give a reward for the successful performance of a work, but for the good will and labour undertaken...Therefore, I am completely at peace, even if all my undertakings and efforts should be thwarted or should come to naught. If I do all that is in my power, the rest is not my business.”

– Sr. Faustina, Diary 952

I believe this is the reality in the contemplative business – to remove our sandals, and barefoot on holy ground, contemplate the burning bush of God’s unquenchable love. To minister without expectations, ready to cast down our human measure, and just embrace the cross of indifference, rejection and hostility. I know this cross all too well, a suffering that brings me the ineffable joy of sharing this path with Christ. And that is enough, no sainted aspirations, no angelic halo, just the short-sighted groping in the dark of a soul trying to wiggle out of an exasperatingly gripping false self.

So much for consent, for when you find yourself chasing the bliss of a comfort zone or anticipating an indulgence, then, you have to turn to Him who pierces your heart with the truth of this love. I find that the more I commit to the spiritual journey of centering prayer and contemplative service, the more I get to know the pain of this constant “Yes.”

There is the pain of knowing who I really am, warts and all. Then there is the pain of seeing the other as the spitting image of myself, with the same warts and all. But I say “Yes” to that too, and look for the same Trinitarian longing in the other. With the clay and the spittle, my eyes see -- one soul at a time, then I see a multitude of souls all in need of God, and I, one among them. Community breaks into the solitude with a call for help, for mercy, for understanding – in the same language, we cry, “Yes, Lord, we need you.”

My consent has grown to enfold this need, to pray with all in my heart, to serve not only our need for God, but more importantly, God’s longing for each and every soul. By myself, it is an impossible task, but with my consent in place, it is up to Him to move mountains of pride and walk over the waters of selfishness to be with us.

Thus, only He makes perfect our service.

SHARINGS ON GRACE'S TALK (March 26, 2011)

From Marite Dichoso:

Now being in service makes more sense. I look forward to putting into practice what I have learned from the talk. I can apply this at home, in the office, in my communities.

From Vekee Constantino:

I’ve been trying to put into practice what I heard Grace say re Contemplative Service…’the only intention of one’s heart is to seek the will of God.” Also, “humility is knowing who God is and who you are.”

Reflections on Contemplative Service by Dedette Gamboa

Grace Padilla's talk on Contemplative Service made me reflect on my own service to COP. Is it mere work or is it truly service?

When I was first asked to serve as Convenor in COS (Circle of Service) by Lita Salinas, I remembered my strong hesitancy to consent, viewing the call to serve as a responsibility and a task for which I was not qualified. But because of Lita's persistence, I eventually said yes. However, I felt pressured and stressed to do an excellent job and achieve results as though success depended on my efforts. Such pride!!!

But with Centering Prayer and God's loving mercy, I was made to experience and realize that:

1. a simple YES is all He needs to accomplish the many wonders He can do if I consent to be His loving instrument. To say NO is to limit His work of molding me to become the person He has intended me to be.

2. Whenever I consent to do God's work, He will equip me with everything I need to accomplish the work. There is really no need to worry or feel pressured and stressed. God provides. All I need to remember is that mine is the effort, His, the results.

3. Finally, to experience God's love is to desire to serve. Service is transformational. What started first as work in COS in particular, and COP in general, has turned to loving service to a God who truly loves. Service to COP, currently as head of the Centering Prayer Groups, is indeed a fruit of Centering Prayer. Thanks be to God!

A WEEKEND OF BLESSED SILENCE

by Rachelle Rule

Attending the March 18-20, 2011 Introductory Retreat on Centering Prayer at St. Bridgette’s House of Prayer in Tagaytay was nothing less than answered prayer. I had been working at the COP Secretariat Office for almost 3 years but had not yet experienced a centering prayer retreat.

For three days and two nights, all of us, 19 men and women (a nun even came all the way from Cebu!) were introduced to Fr. Thomas Keating’s Spiritual Journey program of Christian life, growth and transformation. Emphasis was on the practice of centering prayer and lectio divina. The retreat was facilitated by Pixie Cuisia while Anna Marie helped with the practical aspects of the weekend from registration to arranging for confessions, to meals, etc. Billie Trinidad took charge of the audio/video materials used during the retreat. I was touched by the loving way that the 3 servant leaders went about their duties. It was contemplative service in action.

We asked questions, reflected, internalized and prayed as a community as well as by ourselves, in silence. It was a transforming experience. (Coincidentally, March 20th was Transfiguration Sunday!) As I reminisce about the retreat, I can’t help marvelling at how my encounter with the Lord on top of that mountain in Tagaytay, took my practice of Centering Prayer and Lectio to levels far beyond that which I was used to doing.

The peaceful ambiance of the convent helped bring about my being open to the change. The wind was cool and pure, refreshing to breathe. The landscape was lovely to look at, with patches of forest interspersed with pineapple, banana, flower and vegetable gardens. Mornings, we were awakened to the angelic voices of the nuns chanting Lauds (in Gregorian chant). Evenings, we closed our eyes to those same voices chanting Vespers. Mass was solemn. Confessions were heartfelt. The Sisters made every effort to make us feel welcome.

And there was the silence. To a city dweller like me, the silence was at first deafening, even painful, but I also knew that it would be in this very silence that God could be found.

Indeed it was a blessed, blessed silence.... A silence that brought heightened awareness and spiritual healing. The retreat weekend was precious. It was a shot in the arm, recharging and renewing us in our spiritual journey. It was also a reminder as well as an encouragement affirming us in our belief that wherever our life’s journey takes us, we are never alone – God travels with us.

LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP

by Lynn Angeles

The Lectors and Commentators Guild of St. John Bosco Parish had a Lectio Divina workshop on April 2, 2011 by Pixie Cuisia of Contemplative Outreach Philippines. Assisting her were Anna Marie Llanos and Vekee Constantino. A total of 45 members of the LCG attended this half-day workshop.

The LCG of St. John Bosco Parish requested this workshop so that we, as lectors, can grow in our spirituality with the practice of Lectio Divina, and also improve our service as lectors and commentators.

It was also timely that the topic for the Lectors’ ongoing formation to be given by the Archdiocese this year is about Verbum Domini, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI. In this document, Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina to be part of every believer’s spiritual life.

The 45 participants found the workshop very enriching. Hopefully, with the regular practice of Lectio Divina, we will grow spiritually and deepen our relationship with God, thereby helping us to become better proclaimers of the Word of God.

WORKSHOP IN STA. ROSA

by Susan Grace Rivera

St. Jerome CPG (Centering Prayer Group) sponsored an Introductory Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina Workshop at St. John Bosco Parish in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The workshop was given by Pixie Cuisia on 2 Saturdays- April 9 and April 16, 2011. Prior to the workshop, Anna Marie Llanos, head of Retreats and Workshops coordinated with Fr. Rolo Alcasid, SDB, parish priest, for the arrangements. Staffing the workshop were members of the sponsoring CPG – Mae Josol, Levy Mechelena, Sarci Razon, Tessie Lalisan and the author. Vicky Constantino and Jo Gonzales from other CPG’s also volunteered to help out.

We are most grateful to our sponsors, Pilar Quiros of St. John Bosco Parish, PARTHIA-myhomespa, Santarosa Estates 2 Homewners Association, its president Amando Solero, Jr, its residents Mrs Sedano, Belen Magdaraog, Ayala Westgrove’s Perry and Beng Rivera, and Noel Manalo. They were very generous in providing financial assistance for the workshop “gratis et amore”.

The 30 participants were effusive in expressing their joy at having taken the centering prayer/lectio divina workshop. Here are some of their feedback:

From Margarita T. Andrade:

“An unreflected life is not worth living. I will try to convince my friends to attend a similar workshop in the future. We all need it.’

From Wilfredo Repuyan:

“I’ve learned a lot about the ‘Human Condition’. Now I know myself better and the changes that I need to do interiorly in order for me to have a better relationship with God.”

From Priscilla Bandolon Casana:

“ I learned the importance of growing in my faith and trust in God. I commit myself to doing the prayer.”

From Monica Yambao:

“I learned about the formation of the “false self” and how it influences our lives. Also the importance of prayer.”

From Mellisa Mondoy and Liz Dorothy Baes:

“Understanding our ‘emotional programs for happiness’ is important... The challenge is for us to also understand our fellowmen better.”

HASTA LA VISTA, LITA!

by Chuchi Daroy

God’s call to us is more often than not shrouded in mystery. In the latter half of 2010, He beckoned once again to our beloved former director and founder, Lita Salinas, to leave her comfort zone here in the Philippines, and go with her husband, Carlos, who will be taking up the post of Philippine Ambassador to Spain. As enticing as this call to serve country and fellow Filipinos seemed, it was not without its heart-wrenching complications. For one, Lita and Carlos would have to leave their cozy home in Makati, pack up their belongings, bid adieu to faithful staff, and set up a new household in Madrid. Of course, this means learning a foreign language, training new house staff, establishing fresh norms for daily living, and learning to trust in the strange environment of Spain. All so exciting and full of promise for young newlyweds, but for a couple in their senior years who have shared 50 years of settled bliss in the Philippines, this opportunity could bring about both boon and bane. For Lita, the strain of this major, major move tugged incessantly at her equanimity and usual spiritual poise -- coming on the heels of her brother Joey’s demise, and having to face the physical distance that will set her apart from her close-knit loving family.

What’s more -- the Contemplative Outreach Philippines (COP) community would fare no better, bereft of the wise and inspiring presence of director, mentor, spiritual guide and best friend, Lita. When the news about Carlos’ pending appointment broke out in August 2010, it was met with much rejoicing and was seen as an affirmation of the new administration’s sincerity in cleaning up the government. In due time, groping concern for the future of COP without Lita in its stead crept in. As well-trained ministers of faith in prayer, the members and Lita stormed heaven with prayers, in silence and in words, to discern the right new path to persist in the building up of the practice of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina in the Philippines. For the COP leadership, the Circle of Service (COS), much thought and discussion was shared on how to steer the community towards a firm grounding in Centering Prayer in the absence of its foremost personality. Sadness at the prospect of Lita’s departure prevailed at the COP Christmas Party- cum-despedida on December 4, 2010 and at the farewell dinner given by Doris See and attended by the COS at the Peking Garden restaurant on January 5, 2011. Truly a future without Lita seemed very bleak, and for Lita, it was a formidably daunting prospect.

It was very apropos then, that COP gathered its members for a Recommitment Day on February 5, 2011 (see accompanying article), the “eve” of Lita’s departure for Spain. Those present witnessed the overflowing response and affirmation of a mature commitment to serve and minister to the community’s spiritual formation after a farewell letter from Lita was read by Anna Marie Llanos. Thus heartened by this grace-filled activity, the COS members, the centering prayer group heads, and avid CP practitioners can now look forward to a fruitful and re-energized journey in the contemplative spirit. As for Lita, COP puts its faith in the ever-present Spirit as well as the shrinking globe of the world-wide web, to reach out for her sage advice and inspiring stories anytime.

We will miss you, Lita, but Spain is only a text, an email, a Skype, a Facebook, a breath, a prayer away.

Can’t wait to have our first chat......

CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP AND DESPEDIDA FOR LITA

by Tess Colayco

On Dec. 4, 2010 COP had its Christmas Party and Despedida for outgoing Director, Formator, and Friend, Lita Salinas. The day started with the celebration of the Eucharist presided by Fr. Ting Miciano, parish priest of St. John Bosco Parish, assisted by Fr. Manny Domingo. After the Mass at the Blessed Sacrament chapel, the group proceeded to Roozen hall, beautifully decorated with live poinsettias and Christmas glitter balls by Tina Quiros and her sister, Nena Tantoco. Tasked with organizing and overseeing the day’s activities was Tina’s group, Our Lady of the Rosary Centering Prayer Group.

Highlighting the morning’s activities was a talk by Lita during which she shared with the community her journey of consent to the major changes that her new life demanded from her. With her husband, Carlos’ appointment by Pres. Noynoy as the new Ambassador to Spain, Lita had to say yes to the uncertainties as well as the challenges before her. That meant leaving her family and loved ones behind, and relocating to an entirely new environment including furnishing their new residence completely as well as bringing and training a new household staff.

How did she face her daunting task made even more difficult because she had only a few weeks to prepare for the big move to Madrid? Prayers, prayers and more prayers! At one point in her daily conversation with God, Lita asked the Lord if He would promise to be with her and her husband, Carlos, the whole time that they would be away serving their country in a foreign land. She got a clear answer: “Mi amor, te prometo.” (My love, you have my word.) After that reassuring divine promise, Lita could breathe a sigh of relief and her heart was peaceful.

COP’s farewell and thank you gift to Lita for more than 25 years of faithful service and inspiring leadership in the community was a set of exquisite mother of pearl plate liners. In her message on behalf of the grateful members of COP, Carmel Dael said to Lita:

“Our hearts cry as we bid you our goodbyes for now. You have been an exemplar leader, a guiding star to all of us in our individual journeys. We shall miss your presence in our lives as well as your hugs that made us feel loved and totally accepted. We wish you well, dear Lita. Our loss shall be a gain for Spain. Godspeed in this yet another mission in your life.

Con mucho carino y abrazos fuertes,
COP Phils.”

Another special gift that the community gave Lita was a prayer grid wherein we signed up to pray for her and Carlos every single day of their foreign assignment until they come home. Included in the prayers is their family whom they left behind.

With hearts overflowing with feelings of joy and gratitude, but also sadness over Lita’s departure from COP, the members took turns posing for pictures with la Sra. Isabelita T. Salinas, wife of the new Philippine Ambassador to Spain. Farewell, dear Lita, our cherished mentor, inspiration and beloved friend. Vaya con Dios!

Miren Sun and Carmel Dael emceed the rest of the program including some parlor games that added to the happy camaraderie of the day. Then a hearty lunch followed arranged by Violet de Borja and Ping Ong. Everybody enjoyed the fellowship that followed, re-connecting and bantering with one another. The beautiful Christmas table arrangements were given away to lucky “winners” of the informal raffle adding to the gaiety and warm holiday spirit of the season.

Hasta la vista, Lita! We love you and we’ll miss you but we know that you will do your country proud and that you will continue your faithful and loving service to God and neighbor wherever you are. Be blessed, be a blessing to each and every person you meet in Spain, in Europe, in the whole world!

LITA'S FAREWELL MESSAGE

(Lita’s Farewell Message which was read by Anna Marie Llanos during our COP Recommitment Day on Feb. 5, 2011)

Feb 4, 2011

Dearest Anna, I have a farewell message for the COP community for tomorrow's recommitment day. Maybe you can read it for me.

RECOMMITMENT DAY

by Rachelle Rule

Contemplative Outreach, Phil. (COP) celebrated its annual Recommitment Day last February 5, 2011. The event began with a Contemplative Eucharistic Celebration at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at St. John Bosco Parish. It was presided by Monsignor Atilano Oracion of the Diocese of Lucena, himself a faithful practitioner of centering prayer for the past 15 years. A contemplative Mass was celebrated in an atmosphere of silence and with minimal movements on the part of the Mass attendees. After Holy Communion, the COP members did twenty minutes of Centering Prayer, a prayer of quiet and complete openness to God’s presence and action in one’s being.

Before the final blessing, those present recited the Recommitment Prayer, renewing their pledge to live the contemplative dimension of the Gospel, to be faithful to their daily practice of centering prayer, to be open to serving others, and to reaffirm their wholehearted support for COP.

After the Mass, the COP members went to Roozen Hall for a short program and some refreshments. Ms. Grace Padilla, one of the two ladies from Santuario de San Antonio Parish, Forbes Park who brought Centering Prayer to the Philippines in the 1980s gave a 30 minute inspirational talk on “Contemplative Service”.

Grace emphasized that when we do “contemplative service”, it is the God in us serving the God in others. She differentiated it from plain “work” wherein our motivation for serving may be coming from the ego and therefore, is self-centered.

The nine committee heads making up the Circle of Service (COS), the group that oversees COP’s activities, duties and functions, were then introduced to the rest of the members. They took turns explaining the functions of their committees and also recruiting volunteers.

A touching farewell letter to the COP members from Ms. Lita Salinas, its former Director, and COP co-founder was read by Anna Marie Llanos. Lita was leaving for Madrid with her husband’s appointment as the new Philippine Ambassador to Spain. Through the years, she had taught centering prayer and lectio divina, and conducted COP workshops and retreats on the Spiritual Journey program of Christian life, growth and transformation by Fr. Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., the founder of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd., based in the United States.

For 2011, the thrust of COP is the spiritual formation of its members as they try to live the contemplative dimension of the Gospel, aided by their daily practice of centering prayer and lectio divina. Towards this end, the Formation Circle, headed by Billie Trinidad has lined up a monthly program of inspirational talks by different speakers.

In the Recommitment Prayer, the COP members prayed:

“We humbly ask You, Father, to consecrate our response to Your invitation to ‘live our ordinary life with extraordinary love’ through our daily practice of Centering Prayer and our service to our neighbor. All that You ask of us is the gift of our being, our ready availability, and our constant consent to Your Will.

We ask for the gift of fidelity, for everyone to remain faithful to the Prayer and Lectio Divina, for members of support groups to continue edifying and inspiring each other through their presence in the weekly gathering, for the Service Team to consistently carry out their responsibilities in the spread and nurturance of Centering Prayer.

We ask for the gift of generosity so that everyone can give premium time to You, Lord, in prayer and in service to others, so that members of support Groups can be open, sensitive and genuine in ministering to each other, so that the Service Team can continue their mission undeterred by difficulties and harassment.

We ask for the gift of humility to accept and to surrender each moment of our life, to walk with all persons You put in our path through the Outreach, to acknowledge that the simplest work done out of love brings us closer to You.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us to this beautiful graced moment of recommitment. Sanctify and strengthen our heart's intention to consent ever more deeply to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit. All these we ask in the name of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who together with Our Lady, the perfect contemplative, walks this journey with us every step of the way. Amen.”

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER AND SERVICE - MEDITATION ON THE TALK OF GRACE PADILLA

by Conchitina S. Bernardo

At a retreat three years ago, I was asked to meditate a whole day on the Gospel story of the paralytic who was lowered thru a hole on the roof to the ground floor of a house, for healing by Jesus. I imagined myself as the paralytic and my retreat director told me: “Jesus wants you to get up, take your mat and walk. Will you?”

At the end of the day, to my chagrin and astonishment, I found myself not acting on it. I was too comfortable not doing anything and instead having everything done for me. No, I did not want to walk. It took three years to revisit that scene and ask myself again: “Do you want to walk?”

That Saturday morning during our Recommitment, the words resounded in my ears and nudged a comfortable and complacent place within me. When I heard “THE GOD IN US SERVING THE GOD IN OTHERS”, an apt description of “contemplative service”, I was deeply touched and finally after a breather, I realized it spoke to me. Moreover, the message had a caveat - it must come from the True Self rather than from the hidden agenda of the False Self. I had to move out of my comfort zone to be able to translate into love, by way of service to my neighbor, the love outpoured to me by God. It was my duty and responsibility.

So I venture to find expression of this love in Service, doing Centering Prayer twice daily where in the quiet encounter between my God of Love and I, there would be a clear and definite signal that this service is a reflection of the love of God, the life- giving power of the universe. We also begin to discover God within ourselves, God in others, God in all things. Love begets love.

My answer now is “Yes I will walk, just guide my path in your service and in love”

Just as you think you have hurdled an obstacle in this journey, you find a new one. When an exasperated husband asks me: “You have been in this journey for so long. When will it end?” Knowingly, I tell him, “Never.”

REFLECTIONS ON OUR RECOMMITMENT DAY

by Maritess Pineda

It’s been a year since we made our Recommitment. I realized how important this activity is, for it reminds us of what our responsibilities are as members of COP. It also reminds me that in order for me to be changed internally, I must be faithful in doing Centering Prayer regularly. This is the kind of prayer that, if we are faithful to it, people around us will notice changes in our way of life for the better. We may be kinder, more generous and charitable. All of this is the working of the Holy Spirit in us because we have allowed Her to transform us.

Grace Padilla who talked on “Contemplative Service”, was a powerful witness to the fruits of the Prayer. She was so joyful and peaceful, so appreciative of God’s creation. She was able to enlighten us on the importance of being able to accept whatever comes our way, how we can be more positive in looking at things, and how we can be flexible in responding to the needs of others. She spoke about purity of intention in whatever kind of service we are inspired to do. All this is possible only because of God’s grace. On our own, we can do nothing.

During our Recommitment, I noticed the enthusiastic and active participation of the COP members in the day’s activities. Their warm camaraderie can only lead to a better organization whose only goal, in the end, is to help the members have a deeper relationship with the Lord, and serve in the Kingdom of God thru sharing the Prayer.

In conclusion, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in our gathering. May we grow to be loving, joyful and peace-loving men and women, living the Word of God in all aspects of our life. Only then can we say that our ordinary daily lives bear the fruits of Centering Prayer.

SHARINGS ON RECOMMITMENT DAY

“Upon mentioning the word ‘service’, what entered my mind was actually the Outreach activities that my friends and I have been doing for quite sometime now. During the talk of Grace Padilla, she mentioned that service to mankind is something that one does regardless of whether he/she is rich or poor. ‘Contemplative Service is pure love in action, and is prompted by the Holy Spirit.’

I started to reflect and internalize these words, hoping to apply it in my work and in my day to day activities. By learning to follow the prompting of the Spirit within me, I can find my work more meaningful each day. I believe that my work can be fulfilling not necessarily because of the financial benefits but more because I do it as Contemplative Service.

- Dorothy Yu
 

“Contemplative service is a kind of service that is done out of love for God. It’s beyond reason or any obligation. ..The experience of joy and love within.”

- Beth Ngo

“Contemplative service flows from the deepest core of our being which is love. It is a manifestation of an interior call, a prompting from the Spirit to activate our gifts and talents for the benefit of family…”

These words from Grace Padilla’s inspirational talk during our Recommitment Day struck me. We usually think of service in a big way, such as when we join organizations to help others, raise funds for feeding projects, medical missions, and educational programs . But never service within our family as expressions of love. How often do we have a kind word, a ready ear, a confirmation of our love by saying “I love you” to our families? This love we have for our spouses, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, etc. prompts us to be present to them. This is the form of service I choose for myself today.

- Marge A. Tambunting

During the Contemplative Mass, the Gospel of Mark 6:30-34 that was read by “Monsi” Atilano was so appropriate to our celebration of our Recommitment Day. Jesus told His apostles: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

There are many things in my life where I need to be re-energized in order to be a fruitful branch in the vine of COP. The same goes with my family life. And so Grace Padilla’s talk on “Contemplative Service” made me pause, ponder and reflect on what I can do to live the contemplative dimension of the Gospel. It is thru my daily practice of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina that I am able “to live ordinary life with extraordinary love." Indeed it is important to “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” It starts with be-ing….then the doing follows."

- Angie Mactal

DISCOVERING THE "CONTEMPLATIVE DIMENSION"

by Charit Montalban

Every time I conduct a Centering Prayer Workshop, part of the orientation is this statement: “Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life through the practice of Centering Prayer”. More than a decade ago, as a new presenter I would always keep my fingers crossed hoping no one would ask what the “contemplative dimension of the Gospel” meant because I did not know either. Well, the question was never asked. I guess the first session of the first day is a bit too early to be asking questions. And for many years, it remained an elusive but nonetheless, impressive phrase I used. It was never explained in the many books I read and, protecting an illusory image, I never asked.

One day, as I was preparing for a workshop, the meaning of “contemplative dimension” finally dawned on me. Though not completely sure of its accuracy, I was happy with my “meaning”, especially when I realized I have accessed that dimension without realizing it. For me, the contemplative dimension simply means that which is beyond the literal meaning of the Gospel, where one sees/ hears beyond the printed/ spoken words of Scriptures. This dimension becomes available when the word of God is approached with an open heart, with the spiritual senses alert so that one understands more. The ability to enter into interior silence acquired through the practice of Centering Prayer was my key to this “contemplative dimension” and praying the bible in the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina provided the opportunity to expand this dimension.

Even as I was mulling over this topic for this sharing, I realized that once discovered, the ‘contemplative dimension’ remains open and accessible, such that daily life can be lived in this dimension as well. For me, this simply means God’s abiding presence becoming part of my every day reality. It is a presence that I am not always aware of but which gives me the courage to accept, the strength to obey, the patience to wait – whatever it is that the moment needs.

I must have been in that dimension when I went through a dark period, clueless and helpless, but without fear; or moving on with a damaged relationship, unable to trust yet demanding no guarantees, simply holding on to my trust in God. More recently, I went through years of frustrating and humbling inability to be and do what in my head I knew I should. After my denial, rationalization and justification ran their course, I began to see God’s hand more clearly; and that was enough to stop my struggling so I could “flow” as I was being “stewed” in the process, assured that God was in charge. Sure enough, one day I just noticed I was slowly beginning to be and do the right thing – without conscious planning or much effort. God’s time has indeed come.

I thank God for the gift of life, which I have made more complicated and difficult, so I thank Him even more for the gift of the contemplative dimension. It has given the dark, the difficult, the painful aspects of my life more meaning and value.

HEAVEN ON EARTH

by Vissia Hernandez

February 22, 2011

It is my brother Jong’s birthday today. As I am settling down to do Centering Prayer (CP), my second session for the day, I am thinking of this morning’s services at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, here in Sagada, Mountain Province.

In his homily, the Anglican pastor drew a parallel between the widow Ruth in the 1st reading who was adopted by Judah, the tribe of Naomi, her mother-in-law, and Gaudan (Jong’s Igorot name) who was adopted as honorary son by the people of Sagada for his pro-bono services to the community as resident theater director, cultural events coordinator, museum curator, occasional village petition writer, teacher, friend, brother.

If I were in my parish in Malate the 1st reading would be from the 1st letter of St. Peter - "Be good shepherds in God’s flock, not for profit, but eagerly." I should be celebrating the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the institution of the Catholic Church. Jong used to tell me that many Christian churches share the same lectionary, hence the same readings on some days, but understandably, not today.

So, even the psalms are different! Which one should I read on this special day to start off my CP? Should I go for St Mary’s Psalm 120 - "I have lifted my eyes to the mountain, from there, help will come to me" which is perfect for where I am or Our Lady of Remedies’ Psalm 23 which is perfect for why I am here?

Since I started CP almost three years ago, I have done it in several places: my bedroom, my office cube, at the COP office with my weekly Centering Prayer group, in an island retreat house by Laguna de Bay, in several chapels and churches but never in as breathtaking a location as this one. I am perched on a ledge overlooking Echo Valley. A canopy of pine tree tops covers the deep and wide valley below and separates my narrow ledge from the towering limestone cliffs across, where I could barely make out what seems to be weatherworn, wooden ref magnets stuck on limestone walls - the famous hanging coffins of Sagada.

Chilly winds whirl out of the valley but are tempered by the late afternoon sun; instead pleasant breezes waft around my ledge. Jong calls this time of the day, the golden hour, the first and last hour of sunlight in a day, sought by cinematographers and advertising “creatives” like him to craft films in soft and warm hues. The valley is bathed in gold. How can it be more heavenly than this?

There IS one way. I begin my Centering Prayer. Psalm 23 wins; “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. . .” Today, I choose sacred breath over sacred word – taking one pine-scented breath after another as I begin my “descent”.

I surface about half an hour later. The gold has faded from the valley as I end the Lord’s Prayer and open my eyes. I am feeling a bit disoriented, almost lethargic as I often do after CP. I remember Pixie’s imagery during my introduction to CP. Like Mary of Bethany, I have been sitting quietly at the foot of the Lord with no other thoughts, actions, feelings or intentions beyond merely being with our Father in heaven.

Heaven . . . for the past months I have drawn comfort and healing in knowing that as I sit with my Father, I am as close to heaven as I can possibly be, worshipping quietly with all the angels, saints and loved ones who have gone.

I hear the tourists coming up from the valley below. Earlier, I showed them the footpath to go down. How thankful and excited they were to get close-up photos of the hanging coffins and how thankful I was to finally have the ledge to myself so I can do my CP and lectio in peace and quiet. As though on cue, my phone rings, Jong’s friends are inviting us for his birthday dinner. Sunset comes early in the mountains; it will be dark soon. Lectio will have to wait until later. I retrace my steps through the narrow mountain trail but not before letting the valley resonate with layered echoes, “Happy Birthday, Jong!”

The shadows are longer and the mist is rising as I hurry down to the village, past the village graveyard overgrown with wild ferns and Bontoc lilies, white and satiny as the thoughtful armloads that Jong brought home for Uying’s wedding years ago. I am looking forward to dinner; his friends said they will be serving my brother’s favorites. I wonder - will Jong be having pinikpikan and tapuy in heaven tonight?

pinikpikan - a traditional dish from the mountains of the Cordillera region. It is prepared by beating a live chicken with a stick before cooking

tapuy - a fermented rice wine originating from Batad (a place in the Banaue Rice Terraces), Ifugao

HONEYMOON WITH THE LORD

by Tess Colayco

“The retreat was like a honeymoon with the Lord”.

“I experienced God. . I look forward to more such retreats.”

“After 20 years of doing CP, I feel re-charged and affirmed...I know I can give love abundantly.”

“Thank you, guys...Thank You, God for this experience. It’s like I went into another dimension inside me. So enriching.”

“I so enjoyed the silence, the fresh air, the angelic chanting of the Brigettine semi-contemplative nuns in this retreat house.”

“Getting back to a role where I could be of service during this retreat has been a very nice experience.”

“Very revealing and healing. Refreshing too…Like going to a spa and detoxifying myself spiritually.”

“This retreat showed me what’s really important.”

“I kept hearing: ‘Do not worry...let go.’“

“I experienced the love of God as expressed by the nuns in this retreat house.”

These were some of the observations shared by the 20 men and women at the end of the Intensive Retreat held last Feb. 25 to 27, 2011 at St. Bridget’s Retreat Center in Tagaytay. For three days, in an atmosphere of silence, solitude and prayer, the participants immersed themselves in centering prayer, lectio divina, and private reflection, their intention being to deepen their relationship with the Lord. Anna Marie Llanos, head of Workshops and Retreats, and Billie Trinidad, head of Formation Circle and assisted by Minda Villamayor, “led” the group during the retreat. There was no retreat speaker, the only input being a one-hour video of Fr. Thomas Keating or Fr. Carl Arico on each day of the retreat.

St. Bridget’s Retreat House was an oasis of joy and serenity especially with the nuns’ beautiful singing of the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as during the celebration of the Eucharist every day. The spacious and lush garden around the retreat house was also perfect for quiet walks, giving us the opportunity to ponder and reflect on Fr. Keating’s words of life expressed in the video presentation. I was especially struck by the following:

“Listening is the key word in contemplation...We do lectio divina not to learn something but to be open to what the Spirit is saying.”

“Human health consists in a constant awareness of God’s presence.”

“Our intention is more important than the words we use when praying. Consent to the divine presence is the heart and soul of centering prayer.”

“Divine therapy heals the deepest wounds in our psyche.. . The rest that we experience in centering prayer loosens the hard pan of our unconscious and so emotional junk is unloaded.”

By the time the retreat ended, the whole group had bonded very well. This despite the fact that it was a silent retreat and a good number of the participants didn’t really know each other that well. It is a truism that silence can be a very powerful form of communication. Doing several periods of centering prayer each day and being affirmed of our innate goodness as children of God, also helped remove relationship barriers, part of our coping mechanism in facing daily life.

Truly those three days of deep encounter with the Divine Therapist was an experience of inner healing, purification and conversion. The next retreat to look forward to is the 5-Day Post-Intensive Retreat in July.

“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” (Teilhard de Chardin). Our hearts are brimming with joy and gratefulness to the Lord for the gift of our Intensive Retreat, affording us a taste of heaven on earth. Thanks be to God!

DAMES AND KNIGHTS IN COP

by Chickie Ferraren

Three members of Contemplative Outreach, Phil. namely, Marge Tambunting, Nancy Tambunting and Bobby Novenario, were asked to join two different lay Orders of the Church, and signified their commitment to live a life of Christian virtue and charity.

On November 17, 2010, Marge and her husband, Jesus Tambunting were invested as Dame and Knight, respectively of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. On April 16, 2008, Nancy and her husband, Antonio “Jun” Tambunting, Jr. were invested Dame and Knight, respectively of the same Order. On February 2, 2011, Bobby became a Knight of the Order of Malta.

Though all three have been very active in the parish and other charitable institutions, the enormity of the duties and responsibilities of their respective orders gave them pause, and their consent to the membership came after much prayer and reflection.

The origins of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem dates back to the first Crusade. Its leader Godfrey de Bouillon founded the Order of Canons of the Holy Sepulcher.

“The tangible objective of the Order, according to Knight Commander Jesus Tambunting is to really help maintain the religious sites in Jerusalem and to make sure its management is kept by Catholics.”

Nancy writes: “Becoming a Knight/Dame of the Holy Sepulchre means witnessing the Kingdom of Christ, and spreading the Church as well as working for charity with the same profound spirit of faith and love.”

Why Bishop Chito Tagle describes the Order’s objective as a charism, that is, a calling to keep the faith alive and to spread the love of Christ, may be explained by a very Filipino reality. Filipinos working abroad identify themselves by their places of origin. They are mindful that these places are their roots – a place that formed them and now informs their lives.

So it is this calling – the call to remember that Jesus lived and died in Jerusalem – a call to be rooted in a God who has a human history – This is what Nancy and Marge responded to when they consented to be invested as Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in the Philippines.

The Order of Malta has a very interesting history. The order of Malta is distinctively both a religious and sovereign order. “Originally, the threats to pilgrims from their enemies soon led the early members of the Order to protect the faith and the faithful and to defend them against external attacks.” Today this charism is fulfilled in the Order’s charitable works for the sick, the needy and refugees without distinction of religion, race, origin and age. Admission to the Order of Malta simply expands the many outreach programs wherein Bobby is involved.

To Nancy, Marge and Bobby, may you be blessed abundantly by the God of Abundance as you live the charism of your calling, and witness to God’s abiding presence in this world thru lives of profound faith and love.

THE GIFT OF CENTERING PRAYER

by Tina Quiros

The greatest gift of Centering Prayer to me is the gift of contemplation. When I look back at my life, I realize that I could not be the person I am today if I had not accepted and responded to receiving that gift many years ago. Treasuring my friendship with Him in silence and prayer has only inspired me to say “Yes” to His invitation to “taste that silence” everyday.

TO FR. THOMAS, WITH LOVE

by Billie Trinidad

Every year Contemplative Outreach pray-ers from all over the world get together and fill up a prayer grid for Father Thomas Keating’s birthday, from Mar 7, 12:01 AM all the way to Mar 7, 12:00 PM, to literally cover him with prayers! All hours were finally covered and after a few moments of panic and anxiety, the grid was sent to him on time as he turned 88, thanks to the efforts of Mercedes Scopetta, Bonnie Shimizu, Carol DiMarcello and Father Charlie.

This is Father Keating's reply:

Dear Billie,

I have received the extraordinary prayer grid just in time for my birthday.

I am overwhelmed by so much generosity. Please find a way to thank the various "pray-ers" on my behalf.

In Christ's love,

Thomas Keating

And, on behalf of everyone, the reply:

Dear Father Thomas,

I think you have found the most beautiful way to thank us by your reply. It is just wonderful to hear from you, and always heartwarming to know you are well!

And in our case, how best to express our gratitude to you? By gifting you back with the beautiful prayer you have gifted us with!

Always be well, Father. Together with those prayers, is all the love and gratitude that we can muster. We hope that you are safe and that the sacred valley resounded and reverberated with the silence of our prayer! We love you!

Blessings and love from Contemplative Outreach of: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Nicaragua, Colombia, Singapore, the UK, the US and of course, the Philippines!

Billie

AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND

by Christopher G. Suguitan

Below is a letter written by Mr. Christopher G. Suguitan, the organizer of the CP Introductory Workshop held at Holy Family Parish in San Pedro Laguna on Feb. 19-Feb. 20, 2011.

Feb. 23, 2011

Dear Sis. Anna Marie,

Greetings in Christ!

Once again I thank you for the seminar you gave us. I can now sleep well. I am less worried. I am more conscious in controlling my thoughts before it wanders into anger and anxiety. I am more at PEACE. My mother-in-law who attended your seminar is now more patient with her apos.

Kuya Ramil told me that he and his family will practice centering prayer and Lectio-Divina. I too started CP although still with great difficulty. I told my wife about the seminar and she's also interested to know the prayers. And I'm sure that majority of other attendees experienced and are experiencing positive results.

Just give us a breather and we'll plan and contact you soon on how our group shall proceed. Definitely we'll need more coaching from you and it's good to know that Ate Dedette (Gamboa) is willing to help us. By the way would you share with me her cell phone no.? Thank you!

Also, everyone who attended loved your sharing. Nobody suspected that you had cancer. Your good spirit radiates... Thank you sister Anna.

Before I end, in behalf of our group, let me extend our apologies for many things-- for not being punctual, for not being organized enough, for the food we served, and for our other shortcomings. We are sorry and at the same time are thankful for your patience and understanding.

If I recall it right, Abraham in his old age was visited by two angels, thereafter his life was never the same again. Same are the stories of many characters in the Bible including Mama Mary.

I guess 3 angels visited our poor village last weekend. Our lives will never be the same again.*

May the Good Lord keep you always in his tight embrace.

Regards,

CHRISTOPHER G. SUGUITAN

*The 3 angels were Anna Marie Llanos, Pixie Cuisia and Dedette Gamboa who served during the workshop. Pixie was assisted by Dedette in doing the presentation, while Anna coordinated the whole workshop as Head of Retreats and Workshops in the Circle of Service (COS).

Feb. 19 – Feb 20, 2011 – Introductory Workshop on CP – San Pedro, Laguna
Facilitator: Pixie Cuisia and Dedette Gamboa assisted by Anna Marie Llanos, head of Retreats and Workshops
Sponsored by: Holy Family Parish

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH PHIL.

by Tess Colayco

The invite simply said: “Let us Rejoice and Reunite on Contemplative Outreach Philippines’ 20th Anniversary”. And like homing pigeons, some 120 men and women went “Home” on March 13, 2010, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their faith community. “Home” was COP. As some of the members said:

“COP is like being at home where people speak the same language; are happy to be doing the same things like centering prayer and lectio divina; and share the ups and downs of life while we go through the spiritual journey.” (Nancy Tambunting)

“What a joy to be back after many years of doing centering prayer solo. I have come home to be with my kin sharing and supporting one another thru life’s travails, life’s little mercies, and life’s challenges as we all journey towards one Center.” (Carmel Dael).

The venue for the simple but beautiful anniversary of COP was the North Forbes Pavilion in North Forbes Park, Makati. From 4:PM to 7:00 PM the spacious hall was a scene of happy faces as people greeted and bonded with each other, sharing many stories about the past 20 years in their spiritual journey thru centering prayer. Those who joined COP mid-way or more recently had their own stories to tell that were just as heartwarming.

“Today reminds me of 20 years of working on a relationship with the Lord...sometimes joyful, sometimes not...but always fraught with hope and gratitude...and love. (Billie Trinidad).

“COP as my faith community for 14 years has taught me to live in a still and quiet space at the center of my being. Centering prayer gives me respite from the busyness of the marketplace that is my ordinary daily life.” (Angie Mactal)

With his Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales as the main celebrant, the highlight of the milestone event was the Holy Mass during which the 13-member “Hangad” Choir sang beautiful liturgical songs. Five priests concelebrated the Eucharist – Rev. Fr. Ruben Tanseco, SJ., Rev. Fr. Romeo Intengan, S.J. (both of whom are members of COP’s Advisory Board); Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM, Fr. Manny Domingo, SDB and our own “Monsi” Msgr. Atiliano Oracion who has been with COP from the very beginning.

In his beautiful homily on the Gospel of the Prodigal Son, His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales spoke about the mystery of goodness. Saying that goodness is not always easy to recognize, he stressed that basically goodness means humility, compassion and unconditional love. These qualities were exemplified by the father of the two brothers in the Gospel who the Cardinal said also had some measure of goodness in them.

At the end of the Mass, the COP members said their Renewal Prayer recommitting themselves “to renew our sincere desire to live the contemplative dimension of the Gospel and to reiterate our full support for Contemplative Outreach Philippines.” At the same time, they prayed for fidelity to their daily practice of centering prayer and reach out in service to others. Lastly they asked for the gifts of humility and surrender– “to accept...each moment of our lives...and to acknowledge that the simplest work done out of love brings us closer to You, Lord.”

Then it was time to watch the video presentation of the COP Story. The 15-minute video touched on the significant events in the 20-year history of COP starting with the visits of the late Fr. Basil Pennington, and Fr. Thomas Keating in the late ‘80’s. Adding a personal dimension to the video was the portion where many members shared about the impact of centering prayer in their life’s journey. Fruits of the prayer included spiritual inner dispositions like a growing capacity to “wait on God”, “be-ing” rather than “do-ing”, acceptance, trust, surrender, awareness, living in the present moment, and discipline.

In her Welcome Message before the merienda cena, Lita Salinas, COP President and Adviser reminded the gathering that it was thru God’s sheer gifts of benevolent love and mercy that everyone had experienced in varying degrees the work of transforming grace. And though it is “inconspicuous and slow, change has taken place in no uncertain terms.” Cardinal Rosales for his part said in his message that “twenty years of the gift of prayer has enriched the life of every member.” Rev. Fr. Romeo Intengan, S.J., affirmed the group’s fidelity to contemplative prayer saying: “By practicing and propagating centering prayer, we help recall ourselves and others to a deep consciousness and love of God, and in this way we help others and ourselves live lives of clear direction, discipline, depth, meaning and happiness through friendship and service.”

During the light dinner, a COP member and professional theater person, Christine Carlos sang two songs for the group: “The Journey” and “Wind Beneath My Wings”. A Trivia Game was played towards the end of the affair, eliciting much laughter and fun among the audience. The winners were rewarded with centering prayer books written by Fr. Keating. Some lingered on and stayed a while even after the goodbyes were said and the last picture was taken. Indeed everyone was happy and grateful for COP’s 20th Birthday including our special guests for the celebration, the COP Board of Advisers.

“What a beautiful 20th Anniversary Celebration and what a joy to see how our community of love has grown so much to what it is today. Congrats to all for answering this call to Silence, Solitude and Service...“ (Josie Tordesillas)

“Our celebration was a meaningful one with the Mass and the renewal.” (Jean Sia)

“Enjoyed the company of our co-pilgrims in the centering prayer journey… The Cardinal’s homily was so inspiring!...Being a member of COP is a blessing.” (Baby Dee, Maya Santiano & Corrie Dichoso)

“It has been a prayerful affair overflowing with friendship.” (Chuchi Daroy)

"I'm grateful for the gift of community." (Faith Faburada)

In his message to the group, His Excellency Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, one of the members of the COP Advisory Board, wrote the following:

“Twenty years of existence and mission gives us reason to celebrate God.. Our outreach is a fruit and response to God’s reaching out to us. Contemplation is responding in love to the One who loves us. As I congratulate you, I also pray that you may be renewed in zeal for mission and serenity in God’s presence.”

Rev. Fr. Ruben Tanseco, S.J., also a member of the COP Advisory Board exhorted the community to continue with the ministry of spreading the good news of centering prayer and the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in God’s Kingdom here on earth. He said:

“Alongside the ruthless influence of a technological culture that pushes for speed and more speed, quick results, and the worship of money and what money can buy, your ministry of contemporary mysticism and the centrality of God in our lives is most urgently needed.”

From the International Coordinator on the Circle of Service of Contemplative Outreach Ltd. in the U.S., the Rev. John David Muyskens also sent a message of congratulations, and wished the community a wonderful celebration. He also shared the happy news that currently the global CO family has a presence in well over 40 countries around the world. The Philippines is one of the earliest chapters in the group.

Fr. Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., founder of Contemplative Outreach Ltd and one of the Trappist monks who began the centering prayer movement sent his own warm greetings. He wrote:

“As I rejoice with you on the 20th anniversary of Contemplative Outreach Phil., I honor the witness of prayer, dedication, and selflessness that your anniversary represents...I pray for the servant leadership team that is forming to continue the work of the Spirit in bringing the love of God into the world.”  (Please refer to the 20th Anniversary Issue for Fr. Keating's whole message.)

The cover of the COP 20th Anniversary souvenir magazine says: “Twenty Years of Centering Prayer…Twenty years of Being United in Silence, Solitude and Service…One in Christ.”...Thanks be to God! May God bless the next twenty years and beyond as we continue our journey of faith, hope and love, and consent more and more to His presence and action in our lives.
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Kudos to the Overall Chairperson of the COP 20th Anniversary Celebration, Nancy Tambunting, and the different committee heads and their assistants: Terly Chikiamco, Dedette Gamboa,and Doris Sy (with Ping Ong). Also to the Video Committee headed by our “volunteer” professional videographer, Mr. Salvador Fajardo, assisted by Billie Trinidad and Minda Villamayor. Thanks also to Chuchi Daroy for the Souvenir Magazine, and to Lita Salinas for her guidance and support. Lastly to Rachelle Rule at the Secretariat for multi tasking wherever and whenever she was needed.

TO VIEW PHOTOS (click here)

20TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE (click here)

"WHAT A JOURNEY IT HAS BEEN..."

by Charit Montalban

The year was 1990. I was restless and called it mid-life crisis. I was unhappy with a lot of things, including my prayer life. I was annoyed but still kept on “editing” my prayers, looking for the right words to say to God (duh!). Frustrated, I longed for a space where “it will be just God and me, and nothing in between”.

Then, just like Grace Padilla, I walked into a bookstore and found a small blue book: Centering Prayer by Fr. M. Basil Pennington. I could not put it down, knowing it was what I was looking for; I started to do the prayer as best I could. Joining the San Antonio Centering Prayer Group was a milestone, as was training to be a commissioned Presentor. Being a presentor was the bonus that came with the gift of Centering Prayer. I know my formation came essentially from my prayer periods and while sharing the prayer with others.

A teacher by profession, I came to each workshop thoroughly prepared – and rigidly uptight, often upset when I’d forget a point or example in my detailed notes. How I finally learned that it was not all up to me is another story; but to this day I am still amazed by the clarity of insights that come to me in the middle of a talk. Sometimes, in mid-sentence I would discover a depth and an aspect of the prayer I was not taught or read about and my mind would go : “Oh wow!” It is not usual for me to be surprised by what I was saying. Soon I knew words were being put in my mouth and I was being taught even as I was teaching; this became an added motivation to spread the prayer and translate it into the vernacular.

Tagalog, though generally longer than English, has a melodious flow that somehow enhances the beauty of the prayer. But far more important is the fact that with this new medium, the prayer was shared with people whose lives enriched mine – the less fortunate from depressed areas and residents of the Correctional Institute for Women. Truly God is a generous master who pays handsomely!

Like every homeward-bound pilgrim, I started my spiritual journey in “spring”. I was happy to be liberated from the restrictions of my early religious training; I rejoiced at finding a “God I am not afraid of and can really love”; I was inspired and eager to have a relationship with Him. I soon found out that the journey was more than that.

For me, being in the journey was like having a “truth detector” all the time – revealing my innermost thoughts and hidden motivations. I remember a time it got so bad, with one revelation after another, I felt breathless and thought: “ This must be the ‘drowning’ in the psalmist’s lament.” It got to a point when I knew I was in denial or rationalizing/ justifying even before I could complete my thought!

So that’s what ‘straight and narrow’ meant – having no place to hide. The feeling of constraint was short lived though; I realized that on the contrary, the futility of denial and rationalization was very liberating. Who am I kidding anyway? God knows all, yet loves me in spite of. And this love is something else!

As the extent of my woundedness became apparent to me, I was surprised to discover that when I’d fail or fall, rather than be depressed as I used to, I’d instead find myself thanking God, knowing He has opened a door and my acceptance would be the first step towards healing.

Accept, consent, flow - without these there is no journey and my road was littered with hurdles in various sizes. Cold coffee, full parking, hectic schedule, shattered dreams, broken promises, illness, death – to these I learned to say ‘yes’ with a smile, with tears, through gritted teeth. You see, my all-powerful God needed my yes to repair what was broken and renew what has died in my life.

What a journey it has been...and continues to be.

COP AS MY FAITH COMMUNITY

by Marite Dichoso

My first encounter with contemplative prayer happened in 1999 through Sr. Mary Niere, a Carmelite nun of Zamboanga. She came to Manila to give talks about prayer in silence. I attended one of her talks and it was then that I discovered that I had within me a deep yearning for a different form of prayer. Then I began dreaming of a community that would also embrace this form of prayer. To my sweetest delight, God granted my heart’s wish the following year.

In 2000, my father saw a newspaper announcement about a Centering Prayer workshop. He encouraged the whole family to join him including my 2 younger siblings who were just teenagers then. This marked the beginning of my involvement with COP and my service to the organization that teaches Centering Prayer. I began volunteering to help out as a a retreat staffer, and also consented to join the training program for potential presenters.

During COP’s recent 20th Anniversary celebration, Lita Salinas said in her Welcome Remarks that we have chosen to take the road less traveled thru the contemplative path. However, many of us run into all kinds of difficulties and challenges along the way.

The reality is that we are all a bunch of ordinary people struggling to live our hearts’ desire to follow God more closely and consent to Him moment to moment. While we are all at different stages in our spiritual journey we are bonded in our intention to walk the contemplative journey, individually and collectively thru Centering Prayer and the contemplative lifestyle.

I pray that thru COP we may all grow in our relationship with the Lord, and that we may share this beautiful Prayer of Silence that we have been gifted with for the past 20 years.

A SPIRITUALITY FOR TECHNOLOGY

by Chuchi Daroy

Our use of machines and technological instruments has made life easier for some of us in so many ways, and yet it has imposed great burdens on so many others. There is pollution, toxic waste, and excessive garbage that has changed the landscape of our environment. Technology can become the new cross of suffering and violence when these economies are wrongly addressed. Again, the right values and attitudes are called for. Here the Holy Spirit is the only guide who can grant us the wisdom to see thru and the courage to transcend technology’s limitations.

Thinking about the many modern devices that pervade our present life has led me to reflect on man-made and man-driven technology in a much deeper way. It brings to mind the gospel on Zacchaeus climbing a tree in order to better see Jesus' coming. Technology could be the "tree" of our present time -- we use it to extend the boundaries of our seeing, our reaching, and our touching.

I believe Christ acknowledges our humanity in transformation thru technology -- the reaching out in charity to send aid to typhoon and earthquake victims thru electronic media, the evangelization thru television and the Internet, the healing thru medical devices like pacemakers and implants, the list is growing. I look forward to a time when technology will be harnessed to restore justice, to heal our earth, and to advance our faith in dramatic ways – a new wave of God’s miracles in our time.

I am sure many amongst us are already witnesses to this. I, for one, have a daughter whose leukemia seems to have been cured by both unceasing prayer and a modern drug that targets the molecular glitch that caused it. All her tests have been negative for the past 6 years and we are waiting for this one newly developed test that will tell if she is actually cured.

There are stories of healing by merely watching Holy Mass being celebrated by a healing priest on TV; there are conversion stories of several prominent personalities in the movies who now share their blessings with those less fortunate; airplanes that ferry relief goods to disaster victims; think of the many lives that calling 911 has saved; the list is growing.

The expansion of technology is a call to stewardship of the new resources, a re-thinking of our economics of ownership, property rights, accessibility and distribution of the new technologies that empower our generation and the future generations to life. Perhaps a nonprofit-oriented production economy in the future will address these imbalances in the access to essential medicines, agricultural machines, and computers for education.

Technology is the tree in the carpenter's hands, Christ's embrace of mankind as his partner in renewing the face of the earth. Thus He prospers the work of our hands. True prosperity is not material gain, a life of ease and convenience, a time of fun; true prosperity is carrying the cross of suffering each day with the vision that saves others, the courage that faces problems we cannot solve, and a faith and trust in God to believe that He is always present to our everyday needs. With true prosperity is a freedom the Spirit gives to those who have learned to remain in love and compassion through the work we are given to do.

Let us be faithful stewards of our present time, using technology to save lives, to make people grow in goodness, and to give praise to the Maker of us all.

LENTEN TALK BY BISHOP BRODERICK S. PABILLO, D.D.

by Rachelle T. Rule

As part of its Lenten Recollection offering, St. John Bosco Parish invited the Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila to give a talk on March 5 at 7:30PM at the St. John Bosco Parish Church. Parishioners as well as members of the different mandated organizations attended the recollection. Several members of Contemplative Outreach Philippines also joined the 2-hour recollection, the main topic being on the Spirituality of Stewardship.

Bishop Pabillo pointed out that man’s duty as a creature, a creation of God, is that of a steward or caretaker of all things. He explained that good stewardship means managing God's resources in order to carry out God's mission. Showing how greedy human beings can be or how sadly they abuse their stewardship of God’s resources for material gain, he used the example of the damage caused to land by strip mining. He cited that it is not enough for a good Christian to be a steward of tangible and material things such as personal property, but also of things that are intangible (i.e., time, skills, nature and ecology, justice and human rights.)

“The Spirituality of Stewardship is a spirituality based on the principle of gratitude”, said Bishop Pabillo. Thus, being a steward, means imbibing into ones life the four basic points of this spirituality.

First is that a steward is someone who receives God's gifts gratefully. Second is that he uses God's gifts responsibly. Third is that the steward shares those gifts in justice and love for others. And lastly, a Christian steward is one who returns the gifts to the Lord with increase.

He also warned of the false values that undermine good stewardship. These are the values of individualism, self-centeredness, greed, “walang pakialam” or indifference, competition and absolutizing ownership. (I was reminded of the Spiritual Journey tapes of Fr. Keating where he talks about the energy centers that motivate human behavior.)

It further dawned on me that living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel makes one more aware of God’s gifts in whatever form, be they time, treasure, talent or skills, or even things that are not material like family, and relationship with others.

Bishop Pabillo used many Scriptural references to explain many ideas in his talk. Prominent among these references was the Parable of the Talents found in Luke 19. He pointed out that the servant who was given one talent did nothing to increase or share his talent. He then exhorted the audience to ask themselves the following questions:

For what gifts should I be thankful? Do I say "thank you" often, both to God and to other people? How can I nurture or cultivate those gifts? How can I share them? Am I returning these gifts to the Lord with increase?

This is the challenge of stewardship, a challenge that makes no distinction whether one is a member of the Catholic Women’s League, Apostleship of Prayer, Legion of Mary, Lectors and Commentators Ministry, or Contemplative Outreach. The challenge is there. How do we all respond to it?

“Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these varied graces of God, put it at the service of others”. 1 Peter 4:10

COMPLEMENTARITY OF CLERGY AND LAITY

by Tess Colayco

On Jan. 29, 2010, Lita Salinas, COP adviser and formator, was invited to give a talk to the clergy of Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese in connection with the Second National Congress of the Clergy (NCC II) which was held in Manila on Jan. 25 to Jan. 29, 2010. The topic was on the unique vocation of the laity and clergy and the equally distinct roles that they play in the Kingdom of God here on earth. Starting from the premise that each vocation has its own particular expression, Lita then explained that both the clergy and laity share some commonalities from the basic fact that they are all men and women belonging to God’s one human family.

“We all belong to the one body of Christ, both commissioned to work hand in hand in continuing the on-going work of redemption thru our own little sliver of the life, passion and resurrection of Jesus, as we follow Him each day.”

The group of 160 priests led by The Most Rev. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, S.J., of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao listened intently as Lita mentioned some of the physical, spiritual and emotional factors that Christ’s disciples go thru regardless of their vocation, contributing to the challenges that they experience in daily life:

• "We suffer from the same needs, limitation, and woundedness,

• We are haunted by the same pockets of loneliness…

• We go thru the same excruciating doubts if we are doing the right thing or have we done enough,

• We go thru the same crippling trials of diseases and old age,

• We are all God’s children with the same need of continuous conversion and an ever-deepening relationship with him thru personal prayer by attentively listening to his word in scripture.  We both need to obey promptly what we hear as we listen, then make a decision to live out the Gospel teaching from day to day,

• We both learn to consent to be instruments of faith, peace, love and change starting with ourselves…”

Lita ended her inspiring talk speaking on the importance of each one, (i.e., priest or lay man or woman) cooperating fully with whatever role in life s/he has been given by God. There is no need to compare how one is doing visavis another, for each one is unique, as Lita said.

“I am the only one I know whose role as a wife/ mother/ grandmother is the way it is. The people around me… the conditions that exist…the circumstances of daily life… they are uniquely mine. No one else has them.

And I can only imagine that each priest has his own unique bundle of life conditions and circumstances totally his alone.

I realize that this is so – for God to bring out the best of who we are.”

Quoting Jean Pierre de Caussade, Lita emphasized the need for both clergy and laity to work together in God’s vineyard, complementing their roles while expressing them in their own individually unique ways.

“We are all ordinary souls but one common way, yet distinct and different for each one, in order to form the variety of the mystical robe of the church. All souls who are simple in heart mutually approve of and esteem each other, and say – let us go toward the same goal by different paths, united in the same way and by the same means in the kingdom of God, which is so different in each one of us.”

The 5-day national congress was attended by 5,542 priests and bishops coming from 87 arch/dioceses nationwide and some foreign delegates. The main preacher for the congress/retreat was Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, a Franciscan Capuchin and preacher of the Papal household.

DIVINE THERAPY AND ADDICTION: CENTERING PRAYER AND THE 12 STEPS

by Tess Colayco

Tom Skinner, a long-time practitioner of Centering Prayer and member of Contemplative Outreach Ltd. in the U.S. visited Manila recently and met with some members of COP to renew friendships. At the same time he also shared his vast experience of working with people dealing with emotional and substance addiction, using centering prayer as a major component in their inner healing.

Over a light dinner at Cucina Victoria with Chuchi Daroy, Terly Chikiamco and Tess Colayco in a Makati mall, Tom talked animatedly about a new book released in July 2009 that was the result of many interviews that he did with Fr. Thomas Keating. In essence it's about Centering Prayer and its relevance to the 11th Step in Alcoholic Anonymous’ 12-Step Program. The book is “Divine Therapy & Addiction: Centering Prayer and the Twelve Steps”, available on Amazon and Contemplative Outreach Ltd. book store. He also gave the group a DVD copy of the first few interviews (the whole endeavor took 8 years from 2000 to 2008) that led to the writing of the book that he co-authored with Fr. Keating.

The following day Tom went to the COP Secretariat and met some members of the Circle of Service. Again he shared about the importance of Centering Prayer in the lives of people in recovery from addiction. There is now an outreach in CO Ltd. that ministers to such groups.

A testimonial to the huge impact that the book has on people in recovery is the following statement by one of its readers, a recovering member of AA.

“...the focus of Divine Therapy is about AA, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many wounded people who are not addicts who could benefit from a program of psychological healing via an action program combined with resting in the Spirit via centering prayer, that is outlined in the book. Father Tom and Tom S. have done the work and given us a manual for healing... This book is available on Amazon and would be a great gift for anyone committed to personal change, interior growth, and inner peace.“ (J.G.)

HEART STIRRINGS

by Conchitina S. Bernardo

To write a reflection for others to read has never been asked of me. I sit and sit and cannot write. I have in one hand a treasured book , “The Cloud of Unknowing” and in another hand a treasured handout from Grace Padilla.

I read both, waiting for a word, a phrase. From Grace, "today I will ask my heart for guidance and be guided by its message of comfort and discomfort." Strange, because I have silenced my heart, having always been told to "always use my head, never my heart."

Governed by that, my heart's stirrings have been stifled, and cast aside as whining sentimentality. So when it stirs as a beloved granddaughter utters her first words, or as an ailing, aged mother, with barely audible words grips my arm, and tells me she loves me, I turn away and hide the tears. The heart is too soft.

How comforting to know that it is alright to cry and that tears are a message from the heart. How wonderful to know that attuned to the heart you awaken a universe of realities, with no judgment other than being fully conscious to the present.

It is not easy, not easy at all, this journey we are on. We never know where we are. There really are no road maps. So I turn to “The Cloud of Unknowing”. I open the book and again this hits me: "It is not what you are, and not what you have been, but what you wish to be that God considers with His merciful eyes!" And so again I find that I am crying - tears of consolation, tears from the heart. I set aside both literature and I am basking in this one precious moment when I feel embraced by the Lord.

REFLECTIONS ON LIVING FROM THE TRUE SELF

by Billie Trinidad

Grace Padilla, in her formation talk last October, shared with us the Four Levels of “You.” She ended her talk with that level of you which is our True Self, and gave us pointers on how to live from the True Self daily, simply, and practically.

Since the True Self is the source of all our other capacities in the Spirit, the question is how to get into that seemingly “unreal” world, the world of the spirit, and make it our reality…the world Father Keating speaks of when he says:

"Contemplative prayer is the world in which God can do anything!”

How do we express our ordinary lives in an extraordinary way… in harmony, peace, joy, and love?

To live from the True Self, is to be in touch with the field of pure potentiality, of infinite possibilities which opens us to infinite choices, and the love, the ground from which our choices are made, which is expressed in giving and receiving.

To get in touch with the field of pure potentiality or infinite possibilities, Grace suggests the following:

1. daily practice of meditation – Centering prayer twice a day

2. spend a certain time each day in silence, communing with nature

3. practice non-judgment - Judgments we make take us out of the field of infinite possibilities.

Infinite possibilities open us to infinite choices. We are choice makers. It is important to be conscious of the choices we make because everything that happens at this moment is the result of the choices you’ve made in the past. By the same token, our future is generated by the choices you make in the present moment. Thus when you make any choice, ask yourself two things:

First, “What are the consequences of this choice that I am making?” and second, “Will this choice bring happiness to me and to others affected by this choice?”

What happens with the wrong choices we make? Grace reassures us, quoting from a song that goes: “There are no mistakes, only lessons to be learned.” We can transmute these mistakes as learning experiences or we can transcend them and simply move on to the next choice. God will work where we are at.

Love is the energy of the universe, properly understood. In nature, things function effortlessly - plants grow, birds fly, etc. Things happen with spontaneity, simultaneously orchestrating everything. Three things are important to put these into motion.

1. Acceptance. I can plan the future, revise the past, but this moment I accept it as it is. Surrender to the moment - accept situations as they are; not as I wish them to be.

2. Reponsibility. This is the ability to respond creatively without guilt or shame.

3. Defenselessness - the ability to relinquish my point of view; to “listen without defending, talk without offending.”

Finally the movement of love is the law of giving and receiving. Both are different aspects of the flow of energy of the universe. If we stop the flow of energy, it causes strangulation, stagnation, and even death. There is wisdom in capturing the energy from the universe, circulating it, and then giving it back again. If our giving flows from love, giving becomes joy. Therefore, wherever I go, and whoever I meet, I will give the most precious things in life – caring, affection, attention, appreciation, and love.

Daily living in the True Self is learning to be comfortable in a world where one need not be on the defensive all the time. Where only love and acceptance reign. It is once again, a sense of coming home: getting to that place where you are loved and accepted for who you are and what you stand for.

THE WAY OF THE CONTEMPLATIVE FILIPINO

by Monina LaO
(with commentaries from Fr. Thomas Keating, Bishop Raul Martires, Mons. Atilano Oracion, and Lita Salinas)

Reprinted from Contemplative Outreach Philippines 15th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 1990-2005

Religion, spirituality, prayer have been rooted in the Filipino way of life from the time the Spaniards brought the Catholic faith to the Philippine shores. It is not surprising then that Centering Prayer (CP) retreats and workshops are able to draw in mixed crowds of Filipino men and women, all searching for a deeper relationship with the Lord. Centering Prayer, however, is more than just another prayer method for the Filipino. Like many indigenous Asians, he is innately contemplative in his approach to God.

Bishop Raul Martires values this fact and has incorporated the learning and practice of CP in the guidance and training he has imparted through the years to the seminarians under his tutelage. Bishop Martires shares, “Ideas, values and attitudes are not born in a vacuum. They are conceived, grow and develop within the geographical, historical and cultural milieu. Since the Second Vatican Council, mission work has shown sensitivity to the relationship between faith and culture, appreciating the innate goodness and nobility of many cultural traits, values and attitudes, without losing sight of the need to ‘Christianize’ some of these values, which may at times prove to be counter values.”

Bishop Martires cites as an example the Filipino value of “makakaraos din” (It will pass, we will survive this.). “The attitude of ‘makakaraos din,’” he says, “may seem like a counter value, connoting indifference, apathy, lack of drive; end result is a haphazard performance, a half-baked job.” But in the heart of a contemplative, this attitude draws from union with the Lord’s designs for him and a response of resourcefulness and creativity in whatever God sends his way. “It actually reflects the Filipino’s depth of hope,” Bishop Martires adds. “Faced with seemingly insurmountable difficulties, the Filipino does not give up; he wades right in, struggles on, buoyed with the hope of ‘makakaraos din’ – I can cope with this; I will get through.”

The contemplative’s confidence stems from Spirit-inspired discernment and action. “God’s action within us may suggest a lot of action on our part,” explains Fr. Keating. “We cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit in Centering Prayer so that we can follow His inspirations, not our own.” This obedience to the Spirit’s proddings is the actual foundation of another Filipino attitude, “Bahala ang Diyos.” Leave everything to God; this too may appear negative and passive but, in reality, it is deeply profound; it implies total dependence on God.

Lita Salinas, COP director, traces this mode of docility in the CP process, “As we continue to sit and consent to the Presence of God within us and to His action in our lives, our deep-seated fears are slowly transmuted into trust. In silence we develop a capacity to be still and listen to His presence. This grace-filled posture allows us to discern and obey God’s will on a moment-to-moment basis. We begin to understand in time that God is truly the Divine Provider if we are diligent in doing all that we can in every situation. Obedience on our part releases the power of God to do His part.”

With such faith and trust in the Divine Indwelling, it is not surprising that the contemplative Filipino entrusts everything to prayer. For him, “daanin sa dasal” (get it through prayer) means the certainty that, in whatever he prays for, God’s overflowing love will always prevail. Not faith in God only when He answers specific prayers but faith that God always answers prayers in the way He knows best.

Like Bishop Martires, Mons. Atilano Oracion has lived CP for many years and zealously passes on the practice to seminarians under his guidance. He points out that whereas Westerners are quick to turn to depression and even suicide in the face of suffering or hardship, the Filipino stands strong in resiliency and adaptability. Mons. Oracion attributes this to the contemplative Filipino’s faith in God and in prayer, “Amidst the travails and frustrations of a hard life, in addition to countless losses to natural calamities, he trusts in God’s purpose for things and faces life squarely, strengthened in the knowledge that he is not alone and hoping always in an almighty and loving Lord.”

It is this constant posture of faith and trust that brings the contemplative Filipino to acknowledge that, beyond the words and activities typical of his regular prayer methods, he remains restless and perplexed and his prayers remain “unanswered” until he listens to the God within and disposes himself to the challenge of Transformation. In this process he recognizes his sinfulness and trusts in the Lord’s grace to bring him to change. “May awa ang Diyos” (God is merciful) does not refer only to the fact but an intimate knowledge of God’s mercy. It is much like the Psalmist’s humble homage to the God he has personally and profoundly experienced.

From the depth of silence and stillness in Centering Prayer, the contemplative Filipino goes out into the world and addresses his role in it. In Fr. Keating’s words, “Centering Prayer is a preparation for action in everyday life that comes from grace, from our center which we experience in prayer.” It is into this depth that he returns and resuscitates his true self. There is really no shift from inside to outside, from out to in. For the contemplative Filipino God’s daily invitation is a simple call from home.

MY SNOWMASS RETREAT EXPERIENCE

by Jhulie Teh

Going to Snowmass was a dream come true! I had planned on going there for an Intensive Retreat as early as 2004, but unfortunately, my plans did not push through. This time, God found a way for me to go. I got my visa, my husband’s approval, and the money to fund the trip. Looking back, financially it was almost impossible since I am unemployed. However, at the last minute, I was able to buy cheap airline tickets. I was also given free accommodations at the same hotel where my companions, Billie and Dedette were booked.

I am a city girl, which means that I grew up in an environment of city lights and noisy surroundings. So I was a bit apprehensive wondering how I would manage in a monastic environment. But miracles do happen.

We arrived on Sept. 8, 2009 at the train station in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, met by Pat Johnson from the Retreat House. She was so warm and hospitable that it seemed like she had been our friend for ages. On our way to St. Benedict’s Monastery, she told us about her daughter Sarah, who had passed away a few years ago. Sarah, a special child, was an inspiration to the retreatants at the Monastery when she was alive. Mentally and physically handicapped, and unable to move by herself, somehow Sarah touched the retreatants with her beautiful soul and the monks and retreatants drew strength from her. There are pictures of Sarah in the monastery, a testament to her beautiful spirit.

During the 10 day Post-Intensive Retreat, we would get up between 3 AM and 4 AM to get ready for the 5:45 AM first period of Centering Prayer after which it was time to go to the Monastery for Lauds and Holy Mass. The monastery was ¾ miles from the retreat house. Since Dedette and I could not walk that far, one of the retreat staffers, Mary Ann, drove us back and forth twice daily - once in the morning and another time for Vespers in the evening.

Listening to the chanting of the monks was a beautiful experience. As for the Homily preached during the Mass, it was always inspiring and deeply moving.

After the Mass, we return to the retreat house for breakfast. There the staffers serve us an ovo-lactarian diet. Sherry Dutelle prepares the daily breakfast, except on the last day of our retreat when Bob Johnson took over. For breakfast, retreatants can have a choice from several beverages - 30 kinds of tea, brewed coffee (regular and decaf), orange juice, and milk (2% and soya). For cereal one can have oatmeal, 7 grains, raisin bran or wheat germ. There are also pancakes with regular mulberry syrup or sugar free maple syrup, omelets, quiche, burritos, etc.

Our second Centering Prayer period begins at 11 AM. Afterwards, we have lunch at 12:35 PM. A silent prayer always precedes the meals where all of us hold hands, squeezing each other’s hands at the end of the prayer. Pat Johnson was in charge of preparing lunch which was very international. We had meals that were of Mexican, French, Italian, Indian, Thai or Native American influence.

Since my digestive system is lactose-intolerant, I always had to have my meals free from dairy products such as milk and cheese. I was amazed that the retreat staffers were always very attentive to the needs of the retreatants down to the littlest detail.

From 1:30 PM up to 3:00 PM, the staff meets with those retreatants who previously signed up for spiritual companioning. This is followed by another period of centering prayer which begins at 3:30 PM. Altogether, retreatants spend a total of four hours of centering prayer daily. Dinner is at 5:35 PM, after which we then proceed to the monastery for lauds at 6:30 PM. Then it is time to call it a day. We return to our hermitage to retire for the night.

During the day we have time to be by ourselves when we would do some hiking, photography, or go to the library. Sometimes we would just be still and enjoy the beautiful landscape, or do Lectio Divina privately. It is also possible to volunteer to help out in the retreat house doing the dishes, washing, ringing the bell, or being the reader during the centering prayer periods.

There is a “retreat day” where group centering prayer is optional and retreatants are given the freedom to spend the day as the Spirit moves them. While we were on retreat, it was already within the hunting season, so the retreatants were warned not to go deep into the woods.

Two days before the retreat ended, we had a “talking dinner” where we no longer had to observe strict silence. The last night was “party night”. You couldn’t have found a more joyful bunch of people!

On the last day of the retreat, we all had mixed feelings – i.e., joy, because of the beautiful experience we just had, but also sadness because we were leaving Snowmass. Abbot Joseph and the whole staff were all present for the closure where both the retreatants as well as the retreat staff shared some of their experiences over the past 10 days.

A day before the retreat ended, God treated us to a magnificent show! We saw clouds descending on the mountains which made Abbot Joseph exclaim: “God is with us!” The next day, Mt. Sopris was capped with snow and the temperature fell from 25 degrees centigrade to 18 degrees.

Indeed, Snowmass was a dream come true for me! I shall always treasure in my heart my Post-Intensive Retreat from Sept. 8 – Sept. 17, 2009. Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with such an unforgettable experience that totally refreshed my whole being.

CATECHISTS' WORKSHOP

For the second time in a row, COP has been asked by the John Paul II Catechetics and Youth Ministry Conference to give an introductory talk on Lectio Divina to a group of catechists. This will be on May 5 to May 7, 2010 at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati.

The workshop request is in response to the very positive feedback that last year’s Conference participants gave during the introductory talk on Lectio Divina which was coordinated by Anna Marie Llanos between the Conference organizers and COP. Doing the presentation was Pixie Cuisia. Fr. Renato de Guzman, SDB, Conference organizer, was elated that the group seemed very happy with their brief introduction to Lectio Divina that afternoon as shown by their positive comments after the workshop, some of which were:

“A very good tool for in-depth personal relationship with God.”

“Very good help for catechists’ ongoing spiritual formation.”

“Very informative and enlightening.”

“Thank you for introducing a new form of prayer.”

"Thank you for this workshop. I am very much touched by God’s Word.”

“The process is so nice. It helps me interiorize the Word of God.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FR. THOMAS!

by Tess Colayco

It was Fr. Thomas Keating’s 87th birthday on March 7, 2010 and once again members of Contemplative Outreach all over the world signed up for a 24-hour prayer brigade, enveloping Fr. Thomas in hour after hour of centering prayer. This beautiful tradition started a few years ago thru the inspiration of Dr. Mercedes Scopetta, long-time friend of Fr. Keating, and founder and guiding spirit of several Internet centering prayer lists.

This year Billie Trinidad took the lead in coordinating the project together with Mercedes. Thru email and text messages, people wrote in to join the global prayer circle and pray for Fr. Thomas over a 24 hour period beginning and ending on March 7th.

As Billie said, from Burundi, India, Poland, Brazil, France, Canada....all over America, North and South, the Philippines and Singapore, Fr. Thomas is covered in prayer. "What a perfect gift! We are gifting Fr. Keating back with the prayer he has taught us..."

Indeed all were one in expressing their affection and deep gratitude to Fr. Keating for the gift of centering prayer as well as for his continuing guidance and inspiration to the Contemplative Outreach community. In earnest plea to God, they also asked him to bless Fr. Keating with ever deepening peace and joy, and stable health.

From all of us in the Philippines, happy birthday, dear Fr. Thomas!

CP INTRODUCTORY RETREAT AT MARYRIDGE

by Anna Marie Llanos

An Introductory Retreat in Centering Prayer was held at the Good Shepherd MaryRidge Retreat Center in Tagaytay City from March 5 to March 7, 2010. Twenty one participants, some of whom were “repeaters” attended the weekend retreat given by Lita Salinas.

With the breathtaking scenery of the Taal Volcano and Lake before them, the retreatants basked in the peace and serenity of God’s presence within and amongst them. They listened with open minds and hearts to Lita’s talks on Centering Prayer, the Human Condition and LectioDivina, inspired and moved to try out this new way of praying in silence and complete surrender to God.

Truly, the Lord speaks to us in silence, His first language. It was graced time. One of the participants, Rev. Fr. Marceliano Oabel who went with his 2 seminarians remarked that the retreat was “heaven sent”. The possibility of offering the CP Introductory retreat to the seminarians of La Sallette in Silang, Cavite, as well as the other seminarians of Fr. Oabelin the future was discussed.

CP INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP FOR MALACAÑANG TECHNICAL MEDIA GROUP

by Pixie Cuisia

An Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer was given on Feb. 12, 2010 for the Malacañang Technical Media Group. This was held at the Roozen Hall of St. John  Bosco Parish in Makati. More than 70 people attended the one-day workshop which was given by Pixie Cuisia and coordinated by Anna Marie Llanos, COP chairperson for Workshops and Retreats. Though they were a lively group they listened intently to the one-day presentation on Centering Prayer and actively participated in the Question and Answer portion of the workshop. Towards the end of the day, the group was encouraged to join existing weekly Centering Prayer Groups or consider the possibility of forming their own in Malacañang.

INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP AT MARY THE QUEEN PARISH

by Jane Ty

All things are possible if it is part of God’s plan.

Despite Typhoon Ondoy last September 26, 2009, seventeen participants and eight staff members gathered in the Conference Room of Mary the Queen Parish at Greenhills, San Juan for the Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop. Participants listened intently as facilitator, Pixie Cuisia, gave them an overview of the history of Centering Prayer and taught them how to do the prayer. The talks were followed by a Centering Prayer session which allowed the participants to experience it first hand.

The stormy weather made it impossible to go out for lunch, leaving the group no choice but to order food and eat together inside the Conference Room. This gave the people, some of whom had only met that day, a chance to talk and get to know each other.

The afternoon session began with a brief talk about the Human Condition, allowing us to have a deeper awareness as to why we find it difficult to live Gospel values despite our best intentions. Another period of Centering Prayer session followed, then some participants shared about how and what they felt during the twenty minute session.

At the end of the day, one could see how God truly blessed everyone. There was genuine concern for one another as it dawned on everybody that the weather had turned for the worse. People were offering rides and all kinds of possible assistance to those who needed it. Utmost charity in action.

The workshop was organized by Miren Sun and her Centering Prayer Group at Mary the Queen Parish, assisted by Terly Chikiamco, Jean Sia, Betty Ngo and other CP members.  Notwithstanding the deluge that fateful Saturday, everybody agreed that the Workshop was a great blessing, opening a new way for us to grow in our relationship with God and abide constantly in His presence within us.

LETTER TO MY COP COMMUNITY

by Marite Dichoso

Dec. 5, 2009

Dear COP Family,

For all who came, thank you so much for your presence! For all who were not there, we missed you a lot! Here is what happened.

The Community Gathering and Christmas Party of Contemplative Outreach Philippines (COP), on Saturday, December 4, started at 10:30 AM with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. “Ting” Miciano, parish priest of St. John Bosco, Makati. In his homily, Fr. “Ting” reflected on the meaning of suffering in our lives, and how suffering turns into consolation once suffering is embraced. A 20-minute centering prayer period followed right after Holy Communion. After the Eucharist, the COP community gathered together to have some pictures taken with Fr. “Ting”. (Please go to Photo Gallery.) Then, our dear Lita Salinas warmly welcomed everyone while also thanking the Salesian priests of St. John Bosco Parish for generously providing COP with a room for our Secretariat since July 2008, gratis at amore. Deo gratias!

To start the day’s program, Lita made an announcement that during this Christmas Gathering, COP would begin the process of organizing and updating its’ official list of COP members, something which had not been done formally in the past. It was a good time for each one of us to reflect on why we chose to be a part of this community --- to learn Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, and to witness its fruits in our daily lives with the support of our bigger family, Contemplative Outreach Philippines.

Single sheets of paper were distributed for membership sign-up. Everyone was requested to indicate whether he/she would like to become an active member or a “supporter”. A minimal fee of Php100 per month or Php1,200 per year was requested from each member to help defray the cost of maintaining a Secretariat.

After the Eucharist and the welcome remarks, a simple lunch followed, everyone keeping in mind the serious problems being faced by many Filipinos due to the recent typhoons. All enjoyed the “lugaw” (hot porridge) meal served with “tokwa” (soybean curd), and for dessert, “turron” (banana spring-roll). Also, in solidarity with our suffering brother Filipinos, a good number of COP members donated foodstuff, used clothes and other miscellaneous items, as well as cash, for the typhoon victims. These were turned over to St. John Bosco Parish and from there, to Caritas Manila.

The community stayed on after lunch for more fellowship and bonding. The Socials Committee ably led by Rita Go and Miren Sun, organized fun games like “Name-that-Christmas song”, Bible Quiz, and “Pinoy Henyo” with a Christmas Theme. Laughter and mirth were the order of the early afternoon fellowship. In between the games, there were several raffles enabling every single one in the room to win a prize or two.

A special entertainment treat was given us by one of the members of the San Antonio Centering Prayer Group, Christine Carlos, a professional in the entertainment field. She sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” so beautifully. Christine’s readiness and graciousness to consent to sing for our Community Gathering was also so heart warming. Thanks so much, Christine!

Before winding up the Community Gathering and Christmas Party, Lita encouraged everyone to hold hands, sing a Christmas carol together, and finally give each other the “contemplative hug”. It was a fitting finale to a beautiful experience of one community and one heart in the one family of God.

Blessings and cheers,

Marite

CIRCLE OF SERVICE YEAR-END MEETING

by Tess Colayco

During the October COS (Circle of Service) Meeting, the 15-member COS and their alternates assessed the performance of the different committees in terms of effective and successful programs during the year, as well as map out plans for COP in 2010.

Among the activities in 2009 that the Servant Leader Team especially found helpful in advancing the vision/mission of COP were the many workshops and retreats held within and outside Metro Manila, the website (www.cophil.org), the fund raiser garage sale last July, and the formation classes. The role of the Secretariat was also highlighted as being essential in achieving the goals of COP. Based on the 1 ½ years of its existence at St. John Bosco parish, the Secretariat has lived up to its objective of performing the daily administrative functions of COP, being the custodian of the community’s official records, books, audio/video materials, updating the database of its members, and coordinating work between the different committees.

For 2010, a Calendar of Events for retreats and workshops (both for the COP members as well as for the general public) and other COP activities was drawn up. Details will be announced in the proper time. It was also agreed that the thrust for next year will be on training new workshop presenters and CPG (Centering Prayer Group) heads, as well as organizing a series of activities/programs to celebrate meaningfully COP’s 20th Anniversary.

The first important COP event in 2010 will be the Recommitment Day on January 23. Venue and schedule will be announced soon.

TITA VIÑA

by Monina LaO

When COP was started in 1985, Viña Avanceña was one of its very first members, attending the earliest centering prayer group that met in Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, Makati on Monday mornings. And, until she passed away last November 16 at the age of 93, Tita Viña was also the oldest COP member. During those early years of COP, when most people her age gladly retired into quieter, more leisurely activities, Tita Viña – in her ‘70’s – was in the thick of many involvements. She was a real estate developer, buying existing houses, then renovating and selling them, even without an architectural or engineering background. She was an Ikebana artist, a culinary whiz, a music and dance enthusiast. She sewed clothes for herself and her family and even drove herself to her activities.

But soon enough, one by one, she had to let go of the active life. In the end, up to the time she entered the hospital, only one involvement remained in her calendar. Tita Viña regularly attended her centering prayer group, the venue of which was transferred to her own home when she was already house-bound.

As members of Our Lady of Peace CPG, we were so blessed with Tita Viña’s company, her love and wisdom, her friendship, God’s life and presence in her life. She must have enjoyed the camaraderie and, being a good cook, the exchange of gourmet delights during frequent dinners. But her devotion to the CPG was for one primary reason – it was her prayer life - Centering prayer, lectio divina, and the Magnificat monthly prayer booklets that most of us used as part of our prayer routine. We expressed to her quite often how inspired we all were with her life and how faithful she had been to the Lord.

In our own words, we share our personal tribute to our dear Tita Viña. . .

“I shared with Tita Viña a different kind of friendship. She was quiet most of the time, her sharings were few, but were nuggets of wisdom, deeply felt from the bottom of her heart. And I was her appreciative listener, learning more and more about the Lord through her life experiences. How He speaks to us in utter silence, how He nurtures a friendship in the quietest of ways – that was Tita Viña in my life.

I met Tita Viña way back in 1991 when I used to attend the Centering Prayer Group in Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes. She used to drive her car then and would offer to bring me home after our prayer meetings as she said I was on her way home. I lived in Urdaneta Village and she in Bel-Air. For various reasons, it became difficult for us to attend the support group in Forbes but we found ourselves together again in another support group, Our Lady of Peace, which met weekly at Baby Dee’s house in Valle Verde.

Tita Viña and I felt a special bond of kinship because of relatives/friends who were close to both of us. She was particularly fond of my aunt, Sr. Mary Assumption, RGS who was her teacher at St. Bridget’s College in Batangas and who now resides in Baguio with Sr. Veronica, Tita Viña's younger sister.

She shared a lot of stories about herself and her family and I could glean from her stories the love, care and concern about her family and her pride and joy in their accomplishments. One Christmas, she gave us a beautifully packaged salad dressing and said: “Tikman ninyo yan, gawa yan ni Ana” (“Try that. . . It was made by Ana.”)

She was a multi-talented woman. Whenever she baked her delicious butter cake, she would always share some with her support group, even giving us a “pabaon” to bring home with us. Ikebana was another love. She was proud of their work and would invite me to see their shows.

She adopted our CP group into her family as she never failed to invite us to her birthdays where guests were mostly family. When it became difficult for her to attend our prayer meetings, we moved our meetings from Baby’s house to her condo so that she could still join us. We would share our dinners with her and Tito Mart before doing our prayers.

Though she hardly spoke during our meetings, we felt one with her in our prayer of silence. We will truly miss Tita Viña. She touched our lives."

̶  Dedette Gamboa

“I will miss Tita Viña’s quiet presence and her shy smile – and most of all, her delicious butter cake which she brings at every prayer meeting."

̶  Edda Henson

“Tita Viña was the only person I called Auntie. I will miss her presence and the pound cake that she gives me. Although I wanted to visit her in the hospital, I decided not to go because I want to remember her the way she was when she was my seatmate in our Centering Prayer Group.”

̶  Bert Uson

“I will miss Tita Viña’s motherly ways and patience in listening to all our talks and chats before we start our prayer meeting. I called her weekly for our scheduled prayer meeting and when she became weak, we decided to have our Centering Prayer Group meetings in her place so that she could join us.”

̶  Baby Dee

“She was quiet but her big and generous heart spoke for her silence.“

̶  Angie Ong

“I will remember TitaVina for her being present all the time during our weekly centering prayer meeting. Although remaining quiet, she was there to break bread with us, hear our jokes and stories and mainly, to pray with the group. When she became too weak to get out, we would meet every week at her home. Surely, we'll miss her. It's a great consolation for us to know that she now rests in God's bosom ---- no more pain, no more insomnia --- but joy and peace with Him forever."

̶  Lisa C. So

“Though I was not part of her CPG, I also have many fond memories of Tita Viña. We belonged to the same CP group meeting every Monday morning at Santuario de San Antonio in the early 90’s. There were also many retreats and COP activities where we were together.

In one retreat at Lake Island Resort in Binangonan, we were roommates. It was a joy being with her because she had so many interesting stories about life. I felt like I was in the presence of a wise person who was full of joive de vivre.

She was a wonderful cook and loved to share her culinary expertise. I still recall one time she brought a delicious fish dish during one of our COP get togethers. I asked her for the recipe and she was only too happy to give it to me. It was lapu-lapu sautéed with garlic, onion and tomatoes, to which she added potatoes, topping the whole fish with kinchay.

Tita Viña was a woman of faith, grace and prayer. She was one spunky lady who endeared herself to those of us who had the privilege of knowing her...We were blessed by her warm friendship, gentle ways and deep spirituality. May she enjoy being in the heart of God forever.“

̶  Tess Colayco

CONSOLATION

by Chuchi Daroy

Pools of lucid time
Wisdom uncaught
Unfettered joy
Your consolation is but a moment
Yet I welcome, bid adieu
Remain in your presence

Seeker's Ambition
Let me reflect your brilliance
My impoverished science heeds
In the darkness of true knowledge
I weep at your feet
To taste of blood
The richness of human purpose

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

by Lucy T. Gomez

There are stretches of time when life is quiet. Not uneventful or lacking in excitement, just quiet. Steady. Fluid. Almost like a very neat, very pretty, room where everything is exactly where it should be, picture perfect and just dandy.

And so there you are, just coasting along your happy way, thanking God and chirpily proclaiming how beautiful life is when………………..wham-bam! A blow comes that literally takes your breath away. Where did THAT come from? Why did I not see THAT coming?

It happens everyday. Just in different ways for different people at a time, I guess.

The last time I came face to face with something of that proportion I was too stunned to even cry, initially at least. My jaw just dropped and my talent for analyzing and over-analyzing just surfaced naturally, and in full force. Maybe that is why I was not able to cry --- my first instinct was to immediately get busy trying to be Wonder Woman. Fix what is broken. Now. Right now. My way, too, naturally. So in pursuit of that I thought long and hard and deep ---- the why’s colliding with the how’s and maybe’s, the rewinds looping with the fast-forwards, the should-be’s like a cherry on top of them all. By the time I had to call it a day I was too tired to even sleep, even when practical wisdom dictated that.

The news came in one big chunk. Like a child presented with a bad gift wrapped in beautiful paper I placed the box that was the situation on my lap, not knowing I would find something rotten inside. I thought that if I looked it in the eye without blinking it will not be such a force to contend with. I convinced myself of that breathlessly. But when I started taking the situation apart like pieces to a puzzle, I saw the situation for what it really was. The truth was I could not make light of it just so I could feel better about it. It was something altogether serious, inconvenient, and unwelcome that had to be addressed, and immediately at that.

For three days I did not live, I merely existed ---- eating mechanically, watching without really seeing, talking mostly in syllables, having a conversation of sighs with myself. I was not doing much really but I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I was overwhelmed, many thanks to the frantic race with myself to make everything better for everyone. Now, now, now! It must be now, now, now! I was in a rush.

One day after lunch I mindlessly took the sketch pad we always have in our kitchen table and I drew chairs, lots of fancy-looking chairs. My daughter caught on and she would color them carefully and beautifully, using bright ink and wild color combinations. It steadied my mind somehow. The happy colors made me smile, and the whole working-with-my-hands bit allowed me to ride along threads of thoughts minus the strain that comes from knowing I was doing just that. Strange as it may seem the activity gave the muddled-in-my-mind situation some sense of clarity and to a certain degree too I understood how art could be therapeutic, although up to this moment I still do not know how to translate that feeling into words.

I would also mumble repeatedly in my mind and under my breath: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”. It was part of the sermon of the priest the Sunday before I heard the news. He said we all have to get used to saying that many, many times in one day until it is as natural as breathing. I do not question very many things in my life, I am quite accepting, so I employed that when I felt like my heart was going to pop out of my chest and run far, far away from me. That was what I did when I got overwhelmed with scenarios I concocted in my mind. That was what I did when I felt the wind was knocked out of me.

Happy colors I see on white paper, a singular phrase that was potent enough to give comfort ------- thank heaven for small mercies, indeed. When you are coping with something, every little thing that soothes feels very much like being allowed to come up for air. It buys you time, and gives you sheer will to put one foot in front of the other until things eventually get better.

When the tears finally started to come, they flowed in spurts, but most other times they manifested themselves in sustained torrents that seemed to know no end. Reality bites, really. The burden too heavy, the chest too tight I, at one point through my tears, asked out loud, in the quiet of our room: “God, where are you?” I could not find Him in the darkness that surrounded me. Where was He? It felt very much like He was everywhere but near me.

I had that very same thought as I plopped myself into bed, face down, one afternoon within that sad window when it is no longer day but also not quite night yet. I do not like that time of day, I never did, but especially then as it was sadder than most. I do not know how long I stayed that way in bed, with silence as my lone companion. It could have been 30 minutes or 3 hours, but when I came to my first thought was that my pillow was very wet. And the room, dark and very quiet. Night had fallen. The sound of silence was soothing. After being so used for many days to so much noise in my mind, at that point and given the circumstances, silence was a very strange but welcome feeling. I asked again, more quietly this time: “God, where are you in all this?”

I wanted very much to hear a booming voice, the way Moses or Samuel did in the Old Testament, but there was none. So I reached for my Bible and randomly opened a page. With eyes closed I pointed wildly, and my fingers landed on some place on the bottom right of the open book. I believe what I did is called Bible cutting, and some people have advised me against the wisdom of doing it but especially when push comes to shove I persist.

I read Isaiah 49:13

“Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song O mountains!
For the Lord comforts His people
And will have compassion on His afflicted ones.”

Now I have always believed that there are no coincidences, not when God is involved, and definitely not when anyone is at that point of sadness or immediate despondence. This was no coincidence, this was God telling me to be glad. Now. The timing was uncanny, too impeccable to not be from someone as perfect as Him. Remember, he is not only supreme Intelligence, He is merciful beyond understanding, and when a breakthrough is needed that is exactly what He sends. Days had passed since the incident but that verse proved to be my first breakthrough. I’m sure there were others along the way but I’ll be honest enough to say this one was the first I recognized as such. It was the kick I needed to set me on the right mindset again.

It was exactly at that point that I settled down, melting ever so gently into the present moment and all it contained ----- sadness, fears, bad feelings, that glimmer of hope ---- all of that, plus more. The road up ahead was going to be strange and scary and unfamiliar all at once but attached to that knowledge was also a gentle knowing deep in my gut that all would be well. The cookie may crumble wildly but the crumbs will fall where they should.

It was also at that moment when I realized how, in my desperation, I almost forgot the basic truth that, hey, God is in control. I wasn’t. And that being so, I could expect only something good to come out of even the worst case scenario. I simply surrendered. Why did I choose the hard way when it could be this easy really? I stopped wiggling around like a fish out of water, I stopped running around like a headless chicken trying to find relief and sanity. Like a helpless child I melted into my wonderful Father’s embrace with absolutely no words. It was just me and Him, and that was enough. During that embrace I offered it all to Jesus, I dumped the whole mess at His feet ---- to untangle, to sort out, to fix and put back together and make whole, in His way, in His time. It was His show from that point on. I will just follow His lead.

Fr. Keating says that God is infinitely patient with us and that He understands the human condition so well He puts up with our illusionary/futile attempts at playing God almost with playful good humor. I try to remember that each time I am tempted to take control. I picture Jesus in fits of gleeful laughter, gasping for breath as He in His infinite wisdom struggles to make heads and tails of ignorant, limited requests that I in my finite mind think are so perfect. Simply put, God’s best is best. Anchoring myself on that truth made obedience less of an effort. I knew my submission would hasten things happening the way He perfectly planned it to be.

Everything was simpler, suddenly. All that was required of me was my yes, my constant submission, my total dependence on Him. Okay, Lord, today things are this way. What do you want me to do, where do you want me to go, how do you want me to deal with this? There still was no booming voice that gave out instructions, no map or arrow appeared before me to show me the way. “Guide me, push me, lead me. Just always be with me.” That was my gentle plea.

The more quiet I was, literally and figuratively, the more He showed himself strong for me. The more I became aware of that, the more I learned to trust, and the more I trusted the more He blessed me. The cycle goes on. The journey continues, and what once was something I simply knew as The Mess has, lo and behold, morphed into a depot of some pretty solid messages. How do we know we are doing God’s will? I believe there is that space in the heart that tells us clearly enough when a decision gives us peace. That is the gauge and the affirmation we need.

This much I know. He never leaves anyone to deal with things all by his/her lonesome, even if in a moment of self-pity it can sure feel that way. I may not always have things easy (who does anyway?) but as they say in Centering Prayer, “God is in the present moment, no matter what the content of the moment is.” And that always I am really, truly, exactly where He wants me to be. My prayer passing through my lips now is that I may always be reminded that, at a point in time when I needed Him the most, I found Him in the quiet of my room, where the only sound was the sound of silence.

YEP, LORD!

by Rachelle Rule

Morning peeks over the edge of the Parish Center roof
A new day stretches and yawns
Chasing away the shadows
That linger in the dark corners of my soul
Fear of what is not known
The fearsome, insecure, unstable unknown
The unknown of all that I will be facing today
At work, on the road, in church
These are washed away in a few precious moments of surrender
I feel His presence assure me
Love, peace - even humor
"Have you forgotten?" I sense Him asking me
"There ain't nothin' in this world that you and I can't handle?"
I grin and say "Yep, Lord, You're right!"
What is there to fear
When I am with You
At the center.
 

COME AND SEE...

Reprinted from COPNews Vol.9, No.1, June 2006

“Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi, where do you live?’ ‘Come and see,’ he replied; so they went and saw where he lived and stayed with him the rest of the day.”

̶  John 1:38-39

Twenty minutes, twice a day, in the quiet of our hearts, we go and see where our Lord lives as we hear His gentle invitation, “Come and see…” In this regular COP News section, let us share with one another the quiet gladness we have grown to relish with Centering Prayer. No fruits or effects, no life stories, no before-and-afters. Only the reasons we are attracted and committed to the Prayer; why it has become a luminous beacon in our spiritual journey; why it draws us to see where He lives and stay with Him the rest of our lives.

Centering Prayer came into my life more than five years ago when I was searching for a way to respond to God’s call. I right away committed myself to be part of this spiritual way of life.

Having become conscious of the false self, I was able to become conscious of others too instead of just having my own way all the time. I learned to be more considerate and patient and less angry in my dealings with others especially those under me.

I have learned to identify what I can achieve. Self-awareness has not only clarified my identity as a person but showed me how not to be afraid to face and accept the truth. This freedom has led me to be in tune with God’s intentions and to take refuge in God knowing that He is present in all places all the time. I have learned to give everything that I do to HIM without reservations. I have learned to TRUST HIM and not to question HIM, especially in my lowest moments. He is my WAY and no one can take this away from me.

I am still struggling everyday with my response to God’s call – to live LOVE. My commitment to serve, to love and to follow His will gives my life here and now a strong grounding to be closer to Him.

̶  Lourdes de Leon

Centering Prayer has opened for me a window into silence, stillness, the present moment – all in a posture of waiting on the Lord. As I abstain from motion while everything else moves around me, the thirty minutes of willing solitude are often interrupted by thoughts of everyday cares that interfere with my good intentions to wait in silence. But God blesses my intentions and perseverance with His presence and action.

Letting go of workaday concerns allows me to put the problems of daily life in their proper perspective. The tensions that arise separately from fear, anxiety or anger are understood and eventually resolved. I find that they no longer overwhelm me. Nowadays I allow people to be themselves not what I expect them to be. I stand back rather than make impulsive decisions. I allow time instead of my compulsions to remedy impossible situations. I sense the hand of God in all the nooks and crannies of my life. He is all around me, in all things.

̶  Chita Castillo

MESSAGE OF THANKS

by Tess Colayco

As typhoon Ketsana, locally called “Ondoy”, devastated Metro Manila and outlying areas including southern Luzon on Sept. 26, 2009, heart warming and consoling messages of deep concern and unceasing prayers were received from the global community of Contemplative Outreach for their brother Filipinos. This was communicated thru the different centering prayer internet lists as we apprised them of the ongoing crisis. The community included list members from the United States, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and other countries.

Many were brought to tears as they saw videos and still photos of Filipinos -young and old, men, women and children - struggling to keep themselves from drowning in the rampaging waters all around them. More than 300 people sadly lost their lives as they were swept away. Not less heartbreaking were the countless cases of people losing their entire life’s hard earned possessions (i.e., cars, household appliances, furniture, clothes, important documents and photos, and everything else that they owned.)

The Butler, New Jersey main office of Contemplative Outreach Ltd., sent an appeal via the E-News for the CO members to pray for the Philippines as it was reeling from the worst flooding in forty years. (In a matter of six hours, the deluge had dumped as much water in Manila and other areas, as one month’s rainfall would have brought down.)

To all our friends in Contemplative Outreach and in the different internet centering prayer lists, thank you very much for your loving concern and fervent prayers. As we continue the massive relief efforts after the killer flood, we experience a surge of hope and a deepening faith in God whose abiding presence is shining brightly thru the overwhelming generosity and heroism of the thousands of volunteer workers and relief donors here and abroad. May the God of infinite compassion and mercy embrace each and everyone one of us, all of us being members of one Body, one Family and one Humanity in the heart of God.

CP WORKSHOP FOR AGUSTINIAN SEMINARIANS

An Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer was given to fourteen Agustinian seminarians on Sept. 21, 2009 at the San Agustin Seminary in Intramuros, Manila. Jean Sia, COP member brought to Anna Marie Llanos’ Workshop and Retreat Committee the request of the seminarians’ formator, Fr. Tony Lumukso, to give the future priests a taste of centering prayer.

The main presenter for the one day workshop was Pixie Cuisia assisted by Rita Go. Anna Marie Llanos and Minda Villamayor helped staff the workshop which was received very well by the group. A request for a similar workshop next year has already been communicated to COP.

DEEPENING RETREAT AT MARYRIDGE

With the breathtaking view of Taal lake and volcano before them, eleven members of COP had a Deepening Retreat at the Good Shepherd retreat house in Tagaytay on Sept. 11 to Sept. 13, 2009. Unlike a regular centering prayer retreat where the day’s schedule includes several talks, this time the emphasis was more on silence, solitude and longer periods of centering prayer. The only input for each day was one hour of video, “The Inner Room – Deepening your Contemplative Practice” by Fr. Thomas Keating and Fr. Richard Rohr, a Franciscan. The video was from a retreat which was given jointly by the two spiritual masters at Fr. Richard’s Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, Mexico a few years ago. The retreatants found the talks deeply moving and transformative.

“It was truly a rejuvenating weekend!”, said Terly Chikiamco who organized and staffed the retreat together with Anna Marie Llanos. The Good Shepherd retreat house with its beautiful garden, and the gentle caring of the nuns led by Sr. Rose Tapia, was the ideal setting for the weekend retreat that made everyone feel refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

DARKNESS TO LIGHT

by Rita Go

Last Sept. 11-13, 2009 I found myself joining the Deepening Retreat without any advance planning as I am wont to do. In fact there were NO PLANS. But a few days before the retreat, I kept on hearing an inner call to go and join it. It was the Lord’s invitation to “come to a lonely place to pray”. I listened and obeyed. I said “yes” to His invitation. He wanted me to be with Him for a couple of days in SILENCE.

My spiritual life was in doldrums. I was having such a struggle to actually sit and do my Centering Prayer/ Lectio Divina daily. There were so many days when I would try to “escape” doing my prayers. My heart and mind were not into Centering prayer including my other prayers.

But the silence and solitude I experienced during those days energized my sagging spirit and tired body.  Soon I felt rested. I was able to get back into the groove of doing my prayers on a regular basis. The discipline of the long CP periods, letting go of my restlessness to be still, the tasting once more of the silence that I seemed to have lost a taste for, experiencing the beauty of God in the lushness of the expansive garden and the labyrinth, the cool although rainy weather embraced my whole being. Once again I experienced His perfect plan for me. He has made me "feel" His presence once more.

You can never outdo God in His generosity. As the sun lifted up the dark clouds of the past days I too felt lifted out of my darkness and embraced in His light.

THE HUMAN CONDITION

by Arlene Ledesma

No matter how many times I attend a talk on the “Human Condition”, the topic always presents itself as something new even if it is so familiar. I kid myself that maybe I was half asleep those other times, thus the novelty. But Lita Salinas who gave the talk at Roozen Hall, St. John Bosco Parish, on Aug. 22, 2009 was in fine form as usual, and I know that I remained alert and interested the whole time. Maybe it’s my brain that’s no longer the sponge it used to be but a sieve that just lets all this information flow through. Or maybe it’s the human condition in action. More specifically, my false self. The self that senses this talk threatens the status quo. My sense of security, or control and even my identity...they are all under attack with such a talk. I don’t want to change, even if I know that I have to change. Sometimes it is more comfortable to be miserable in the company of my defective, virus ridden emotional programs for happiness than to go through the effort that change entails.

Someone in the audience asked about commentaries. Commentaries are the shovels that we use to dig ourselves into a rut. The exaggerated response to an emotional program becomes entrenched and becomes a habit and then the scary part starts to happen – the false self begins to take control. My responses become automatic, like when I see someone I don’t like, and I have this little voice that says “Of course she is a ____ ______, look at what she is doing now”, and I find myself disliking this person more and more even if she hasn’t done anything to hurt me. Oh, the delicious feeling of being self righteous! Of course it doesn’t last and I am back to my miserable self, hating myself for being hateful and wishing I can be a better person.

My new found friend sitting beside me had an “aha!” moment nearing the end of the talk. She said “Oh, so that’s why we need Centering Prayer. I should really attend that Introductory Workshop….” Centering Prayer looks so peaceful, there might be doubts in some listener’s minds as to its efficacy. After all, the false self is like a nutshell and this hard layer needs a nutcracker to be able to get to the real nut inside. But Centering Prayer is not just an effective nutcracker, it can even be a firecracker if you wanted to blow a thick wall that is the false self. God’s word is a two edged sword too and I have seen it cut some of my false self layers to smithereens. Yes, the dismantling of the false system can get pretty violent but I take comfort in that. It means that God is trying everything He can to reach the real nut that is me.

PEACE AMIDST FEAR

by Rachelle Rule

“Huwag kang sisigaw, huwag kang gagalaw, kung di papatayin kita!”. (“Don’t scream, don’t move or else I’ll kill you!”) Those words and being held in a grip tight enough to bruise skin drove home the fact that I was being robbed. And right there in front of my own house. Just a few minutes earlier, I was fumbling with my gate keys, trying to juggle a bag of groceries and my own handbag when suddenly, a helmeted man on a motorcycle pulled up behind me and announced that this was a hold-up. And after uttering those words, he raised his arm overhead. Bright lights exploded as my skull collided with cold metal, then a merciful blackness.

When I came to, I was lying on the concrete in front of the gate, and quite some distance away, the robber was fleeing with his motorcycle and my handbag. I gingerly felt my face, felt the rapidly swelling forehead and eye. As I touched my cheek, I discovered a sticky, warm wetness. In his effort to pull off the robbery, the culprit decided to leave a little memento of his visit – on my left cheek.

As awareness flooded back, I let out a series of screams. Strange, the screaming, when there was no more reason to scream and the robber was gone. It was like something primeval in my being needed expression – maybe anger and even rage over being taken advantage of, maybe frustration over being so helpless.

The screaming drew my neighbors from their homes. And, like some surreal dream, they brought me to the Barangay Hall, where I vaguely remember having to describe my ordeal to some uniformed fellow who took down notes, and then being brought home. As I sat on my bed, I discovered that I was still shaking and fearful. Even when I knew I was there inside my home, and the doors were locked and there were bars on the windows. It was like, suddenly, I was not safe anymore.

Suddenly I was aware that I could be hurt or even killed. And that scared me. Since then, I had to double my time spent in centering prayer. I had to ask the Lord to heal me big time. Not that I felt like I needed to become some sort of emotionally fearless and invincible super person, but rather to accept that same fear and use it as a means of precaution against future incidents where I can be physically injured.

And heal me He did. That night, after doing centering prayer, I was able to sleep peacefully. And since then have been able to do so (well, perhaps except for those moments when I turn on the side which has the swelling and the wound and they sting.  Then I am jolted from my sleep. But then, even the wound is healing nicely, thank you Lord!).

I also found the strength to pray for that person, that eventually one day he may be transformed, he would no longer need to rob anyone, that he would see that what he is doing is wrong, and that he would decide to turn over a new leaf. And to think that not too long ago, when someone did a wrong against me, I would pray for him – I would pray that “sana kunin na siya ni Lord” (“That God would take him.”)

If human thinking was the standard, I was justified if I prayed that way. Remember – I was hurt first. I was the one robbed. The strange thing is that – I couldn’t. Well, I could, honestly, but somehow I just couldn’t muster the effort to do so. Oh, and yes, I mentioned “a means of precaution” earlier? Well, I now carry a flashlight that I use whenever I have to cross dark sections of my street. And I now ask the tricycle drivers to wait a bit in front of the gate until I am safely inside. At least it’s a lot safer than the recklessness that comes from thinking that since I’m the “siga” (“toughie”) of my street, I was untouchable.

So I guess that’s the best part of having a contemplative view of life. You’re more in touch with the reality that you’re not the boss of everything, and that instead of waiting for yourself to react, what you do is to act, and act as a Christian should – with trust, yes, but also with prudence.

Odd how God uses people – even a robber – to make you more aware of the transience of things and the permanence of His Presence.

ALONE WITH YOU

by Myra de Leon-Go

I know You less now than when I began this journey to discover You.
Yet, not knowing You is when I know You most.
It is when I do not pray that I feel Your presence;
It is in the Dark that I feel Your caress.

I surrender my chaos, and I am steady. In the blur, I find the focus
The less I say, the better I understand; The emptier I am, the fuller I become,
The less I think, the clearer it all is!

The more I lose you, the nearer You are;
and when I am lost, that is when I most know the way!

When I die to myself, I am more vibrant, the more pain I endure, the better I feel;
In being incomplete, I find all the pieces. In my ignorance, I become wise.

The deeper into the dark I venture, the brighter things are;
For when I shut You out, I find You locked within!

When in fear I run away, You run with me, in front of me, behind me!
When I weep from loneliness, I am wrapped in Your embrace!
And when I am emptiest, that is when I overflow…

Thus have I given up trying to know You, or praise You.
Instead I am simply here, and I am nothing.
I hold nothing. I do not understand what I know, but I am content.
For when I hold nothing, I find I have it ALL.
You are everything, my God, my One, my All!

THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

by Monina LaO

The edge of a bed, a pew in the chapel, a chair in an office room – here is where we turn off the world and meet the Lord in Centering Prayer. As we offer to Him our presence in loving silence, He answers us back in the same language. And so outside that bed and pew and chair, the silent conversation continues. The language is never easy to understand. Many times we wonder if we “read” Him right. But as we pursue the Conversation, His presence glows in moments as ordinary as our daily routine or as unexpected as our liberating, selfless responses. Our consent is all He asks for. His fullness sees everything through. One day we find ourselves a great distance away from that bed and pew and chair; in mind and body, heart and soul, we find ourselves reaching out to others. The experience could be strange or difficult, sometimes even unpleasant or threatening. But the call we respond to is loud as it is silent. The call we hear is away from ourselves yet as close as home. The Conversation continues.
 

THE PRAYER THAT LISTENS

by Chuchi Daroy

My friend asked me to write something for this website, but I realized that sometimes I run out of words. That’s what several years of Centering Prayer can do – leave you wordless, mute, silent. Then, comes the soundless listening of the ear of my heart. I sit and listen to the Lord. No, I don’t mean I heard Him, but that I listen to Him. Heartbeat after heartbeat, I sit and listen and wait, and listen some more. He is always there, I know – probably listening, too. I have no more words. All I know is that I carry this listening with me always and everywhere, beyond my prayer sits.

Today, I was listening when a disabled man got off the jeepney rather awkwardly and nodded at my silent stare. I was listening when he tentatively explained his situation, asked for directions, and begged for travel money. My listening heart beamed in a smile and drew a bill from my purse to help him out. Yes, I listened, and heard His love for the weak. Later in the day I was still listening when I had started to snicker inwardly at a colleague’s folly and then cocked my heart’s ear to listen more carefully, drawing forth compassion at our shared feeblemindedness. Yes, I listened and heard His love for sinners. I listened for my Lord’s counsel when the computer conked out and I could not make heads or tails of my plans for the day. I kept listening when the little voice in my heart whispered it will be as the Lord wills it, and went off to prepare the vessels for our noontime Mass. I carry that listening prayer in me throughout the day starting with my 30 minutes of Centering Prayer in the morning, through my second sit after my workday is done, and well into the silent darkness of my bedtime prayers.

This predisposition to a listening attentiveness to God who keeps all our affairs in mind is the fruit of millions of Centering Prayer moments tilling the good soil in my heart. Keeping the silence cultivates a constant awareness of His Presence and keeps my heart poised to receive His Word. In the soul of a cowardly sinner such as I, this listening gives me courage to tread into the confusion, anxiety, and malaise of a world-weary daily grind. More importantly, there is peace in opening myself to give and receive the wounds of love. In all this, I am learning to listen and hear when the Lord says, “I loved you first.”

THE STORY OF MY VISION

by Jean Sia

I am a holy person,
set apart by God for Himself alone.
I emerge from nothingness, I return to nothingness.
Out of love, He created me and gave me my being.
I give my being back to God –
all that I am, all that I’ve been through, all that I will be

I love my God.
His will is foremost in my consciousness.
Daily, I consent to His love and action in my life.
I live the present moment with attentive receptivity.
He knows me. I hear His voice and I obey Him.

The CROSS is the story of my experience
of God’s forgiveness and faithful love.
Pain and sufferings become opportunities for creative good,
when I unite with the cross of Jesus and envision the resurrection.
Readiness for any eventuality is my attitude of trust in God.

Out of love, God the Father sent His only Son
to deliver me and set me free to love and to be!
Daily, I desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit purifies me and makes me
an acceptable sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise.
The Holy Spirit convicts me to the truth and gives me
the boldness and strength to overcome human respect.
The Holy Spirit empowers me to proclaim God’s Word
like a sword that pierces the heart.

My life is centered in the eternal God;
there is no limit to what I can become.
I am sensitive to my feelings and aware of my motives.
Compassion is the quality of my service, and
I choose the more difficult and loving thing to do.
I spend my time wisely. Useless chats and idle pleasures I avoid.
I perform my duties from the source of my being, with joy.
Peace, the tranquillity of order, dominates my life.
Simplicity of life-style, self-discipline, solitude with God, and
the practice of interior silence constitute my Way of Life.

FORMATION CLASS

by Tess Colayco

“Facing our Reality…the Path to Inner Healing” was the topic of the monthly formation class on July 23, 2009 held at Rm. 310, St. John Bosco Parish building. Presented by Lita Salinas, adviser and formator of COP, the room was packed with 50 centering prayer group members as well as former workshop participants, all eager to know more about negotiating one’s personal spiritual journey via the contemplative path.

The morning started with a session of centering prayer putting everybody in a disposition of receptivity to listen with complete openness to the formation topic. It was an all important subject dealing with the reality of the false self and the human condition.

The following paraphrased quotes are relevant:

• The false self is at the root of all sinfulness. It’s ego-driven, self-centered and is not who God meant us to be. It’s an illusionary self. (Thomas Merton)

• If I find God, I find myself. . . If I find myself, I find God. (Thomas Merton)

• It’s vitally important to know how the false system works with its compensatory mechanisms, emotional programs for (un)happiness, afflictive emotions, attachments, etc.

• God does not expect us to do more than what our present reality calls for us to do. Ex. We don’t have to be copies of Mother Teresa ‘cause our individual vocation is uniquely our own. What God wants from us is to live it as well as we possibly can….with utmost love.

• Prayer is the bottomline, the fundamental and essential requirement to negotiate the spiritual journey. Without it, the challenge to die to our false selves would be too discouraging and impossible to take on, given our human weakness and limitation.

• The spiritual journey is an experience of God’s infinite mercy and love, His benevolence or utter kindness accompanying us at every moment.

During the formation class, questions were asked, reflections and insights were shared. It was a very enlightening and inspiring experience, Lita explaining very clearly how the spiritual journey program of Fr. Thomas Keating can be practiced in our daily lives. Her own lived experience is a compelling witness to it.

The next formation class will be on Aug. 27, 2009 at the same venue from 9:30 AM to 12 noon.

BONDING IN PRAYER

by Chuchi Daroy

Belonging to a Centering Prayer group is a vital part of my growth in the spiritual journey. Taking time out once a week to join the group in centering prayer has nurtured an evolving relationship not only with God but also with my prayer partners. The awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our prayer is sharpened by the shared communion in silent worship to the Being who unifies us all.

Centering prayer builds up not only my relationship with Christ but also nourishes my relationship with like-minded souls who share the same desire to be one in His Spirit. Not a few times the Presence of Christ is made almost palpable in the presence of these special friends. Through the years of weekly centering prayer together we have transcended barriers of personality, background and professional inclinations to bond in love of prayer, silence and Presence.

The Word that resonates through our Lectio Divina affirms a spirit of community in responses that touch deep in our hearts – a knowing of holy affinity that cannot be betrayed. I have been with St. Michael CPG since 1998 till now and with Bethany from 2000 to 2008 – through the faces and the changes my commitment to centering prayer remains unwavering. Not because of my resolve but through the shared witness of prayer friends who live within their consent to the transforming love and healing graces of a God who saves us from self-centered indifference.

My inner room holds a bond in silent prayer to the many different members of the one Body of Christ. I guess you could say that the weekly CPG gives me the “reach” to pray beyond self unto the other, and another, and the Other.

A Reflection

by Millette T. Ocampo

In the dying darkness of the night with a single flickering flame from a candle I have lighted, I go to Him. Sitting still quiets me to a state of aloneness with God. There I seek His presence.. There it is only Him and me. Although distracting things come and go, He is patient with me. He does not leave me. In silence and awe I receive gifts of comfort, peace, love and strength. At times He blesses me with discernment and wisdom. It is a prayer journey that brings me to the Giver of Good and the Fountain of Mercy. It makes me realize my smallness and utter dependence on Him. Centering prayer has connected me to the greatness of His Being and has deepened my trust in Him.

A PRAYER

by Chuchi Daroy

"Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming down to humanity, bearing the flesh of our very DNA. Thank you for suffering our mortality, the groaning nature of our very cells, the short-mindedness of our neural circuits, and the frustrations of our energies and impulses. In my labours to learn the mysteries of creation, in my study of our DNA, let me breathe in your Spirit of life eternal. Where there is grief and hatred, let your boundless mercy enflesh in me through my very words and actions. Where there is confusion and ignorance, let my heart bear the light of your love. Your grandest design, that is man, I cannot fathom, but your will, O Lord, is my life’s meaning."

THE "SJ" TAPES

by Billie Trinidad

Listening to the Spiritual Journey tapes is the next best thing to being physically present with Father Thomas Keating. Granted, he's about 20 years younger in these tapes, but what Father says has held throughout the years. Speaking for myself, I have been listening to these tapes for years now, and never tire. There is always something new that speaks to me. And the question comes up: "But the tapes never change...how can you hear something different?" The simple answer is that, the tapes don't change, but we change...all the time.

The Spiritual Journey (“SJ”) is a contemporary presentation of Christian growth and transformation for laity, priests or religious. It provides a conceptual background to Centering Prayer. Thought- provoking and challenging, Father speaks spontaneously. Never dull...awfully funny at times, but constantly pushing us to grow...to dive deeper and deeper...always evolving, always growing, never stagnant. It is an invitation to come and discover for ourselves; to taste and see; and as Father Keating says: to be aware of the Other...to be the Other and finally to realize there is no Other.

And yes, the Spiritual Journey tapes is not for the faint-hearted!

INTRO WORKSHOP ON CENTERING PRAYER HELD AT ST. JOHN BOSCO PARISH

by Rachelle Rule

A drizzle and overcast skies proved no match for the enthusiasm of over 150 participants who gathered at the Roozen Hall of the St. John Bosco Parish for the Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer last June 20, 2009. Facilitated by Ms. Lita Salinas, the workshop gave the participants, some of whom had come from as far away as Rizal, Quezon City, Las Piñas and Cavite, an overview of the method of Centering Prayer and its effectivity as a means of building a relationship with God. Many participants articulated their appreciation of the simple yet intense method pioneered by Fr. Thomas Keating O.C.S.O., as many of them had grown up on ritual prayers that very often tended to veer towards the perfunctory.

Reactions were varied. Many never knew that it was possible to pray without making a sound. Some found the act of ignoring their thoughts to be very trying. Others found themselves attracted to (and even distracted by) certain ideas which somehow came out in the silence of their 20 minute sit. And still others discovered with delight that the God of their childhood, the God made known to them by well meaning but ill-advised parents, teachers and clergymen as a merciless policeman or even a cruel judge, was in reality a loving, tender Being whom one would not hesitate to fondly call daddy, tatay or papa. Proof of this were testimonies from participants who experienced an overwhelming sense of being loved as they quietly sat and were still in His presence.

At the end of the day, the participants expressed their joy and gratefulness for what they had experienced during the workshop.

Because of the enthusiastic response to this introductory workshop, another one will follow on Aug. 22, 2009. This time it will be on the Human Condition, a model of human development based on a psycho spiritual approach as presented by Fr. Thomas Keating in his Spiritual Journey program of Christian life, growth and transformation.

ROOTEDNESS

by Carmel Dael

Majestic trees stand before me
hallowed trees tower over me
pine, willow, maple
what stories you have to tell

History of time you hold
each branch, each twig
each ring inside your trunk
contain much wisdom to behold

A privilege it is to be
amongst you, sages of time
please teach me, I beg of you
for me to be like thee

To stand tall and proud to be just me
to weather rain, sleet, and heat
remaining steadfast, resilient
and proud to be just me

I gaze in awe
the strength in you
you say dig deeper into myself
to know what's there in me

To be not afraid of what I see
for it is in knowing that I become
true and real as can be
so take courage and continue to be

I sing whatever I see
I praise that's all of me
ravages of time embraced
that's me I'm proud to be

MEETING "AT THE CENTER" WITH FR. "TING"

by Tess Colayco

“Prayer is the backbone of the Church”…With these words, Fr. Romeo Agustin Ma. “Ting” Miciano, SDB, expressed his appreciation and support of COP’s presence in the parish. We had made a courtesy call on him on July 16, 2009 as the new parish priest of SJB. (Pls. scroll down for article and photos re Fr. Ting’s solemn installation as parish priest by Arch. Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on May 24, 2009.) As a missionary who worked in Papua New Guinea for 13 years, Fr. Ting knows what it’s like to be very busy tending the Lord’s flock. But following the footsteps of St. John Bosco, Founder of his congregation, Fr. Ting appreciates the balance between prayer and action in ministry, a characteristic of a true contemplative.

Lita Salinas, COP adviser and formator, thanked Fr. Ting for his continuing support while at the same time sharing her own anecdotes about personally meeting a contemplative and mystic like Mo. Teresa who impressed on her community the importance of prayer. Still on the topic of silence, solitude and service as the true marks of a contemplative in the world, Fr. Ting mentioned that he was familiar with the books of Thomas Merton, the late Fr. Basil Pennington, and Fr. Thomas Keating, all Trappist monks who are considered modern day contemplative masters. As an educator, Fr. Ting reads extensively and keeps up to date with contemporary writings especially on matters of spirituality.

We assured Fr. Ting that COP would work earnestly in sharing the contemplative spirituality among SJB parishioners thru workshops, retreats, and other related activities. He was happy to hear that there had been two workshops since Jan. this year, one on Lectio Divina in Feb., and another one, an Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer in June. The next workshop will be on Aug. 22, 2009 on The Human Condition.

It is our hope that Fr. Ting may find a little window in his busy schedule on that day to join us if only briefly. It will be a happy occasion where the shepherd and his flock will meet “at the center” in prayer, bonding as one in God.

May St. John Bosco who was a contemplative at heart, inspire all of us to do our work with complete and selfless dedication, unwavering trust in God, and utmost charity for all.
 

A NEW SHEPHERD FOR ST. JOHN BOSCO PARISH

by Tess Colayco

St. John Bosco Parish has a new shepherd in the person of Fr. Romeo Agustin Ma. “Ting” Miciano, S.D.B. In a solemn ceremony officiated by Arch. Gaudencio Cardinal  Rosales, Fr. Ting was formally installed as parish priest of SJB on Ascension Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 5:30 PM. In attendance were 16 priests from the Salesian Congregation and from the Vicariate of Sts. Peter and Paul. They concelebrated the Mass with Arch. Rosales as the main celebrant together with Fr. Ting.

In his homily, the Cardinal spoke passionately of Jesus’ message to His disciples just before He left them to go back to His Father. “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.” (Mk 16:15) It was an exhortation and a reminder for the faithful to be bearers of the Gospel by the witness of their lives and by actually preaching and teaching what they have experienced in faith.

During the installation ceremony, Fr. Ting renewed his vows as a priest and in a strong confident voice, read the prescribed words of the liturgy, expressing first of all his commitment to live the truths of the Catholic faith, and his readiness to take on the responsibilities of a pastor. Then standing up to face the congregation, Fr. Ting was given a big round of applause by both the clergy and the parishioners that filled up the church, while the Cardinal beamed like a loving father looking at his son. The SJB Youth Choir provided beautiful music that lent even more solemnity and meaning to the installation ceremony.

Fr. Ting was ordained a Salesian priest on Dec. 8, 1990. In 1993 he went as a missionary to Papua New Guinea staying there for 13 years. During that period, he took his masteral studies in education, became the Principal at the Don Bosco Technical School in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and later founded the teachers’ college of the school becoming its first Dean. He returned to the Philippines in 2006, and became assistant parish priest at SJB while at the same time heading the Don Bosco Pugad and the Youth Center.

Before the end of the Mass for his installation as the new SJB parish priest, Fr. Ting thanked Arch. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales for officiating at the solemn ceremony. He also thanked his brother priests, family and relatives, sponsors, and the whole congregation for their presence and participation in the happy event. Fr. Ting was the picture of joy and peace as he delivered his short but sweet message, ending with the prayerful promise that he would do his best "to lead his flock to Christ, the fullness of life, with Mary’s help.”

THE FEAST OF THE ASCENSION

by Grace Padilla

(reprinted from CWL Newsletter, 2008)

“After speaking with them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took his seat at God’s right hand. The Eleven went forth and preached everywhere.” (Mark 16:19-20)

The Mystery of the Ascension holds a very special place for me because of its significance in my life and the awesome implications of God’s plan affecting each and every one of us created in the image and likeness of God, and, of all of creation. I came upon an article written by Fr. Thomas Keating OCSO on the Mysteries of Christ which was mind-boggling and life-altering for me.

In the Ascension we celebrate the triumph of Jesus in his exaltation to the right hand of the Father and the glorification of his human nature. By becoming a human being the separation between matter and spirit was overcome by Christ, establishing a continuum between the divine and the human. Thus God’s plan is not only to spiritualize the material universe, but to make matter itself divine. This he has already done in the glorified humanity of his Son. What is the significance of this on us? The grace of the Ascension bestowed on us the divinization of our humanity. Our life becomes a mysterious interpenetration of material experience, spiritual reality and the divine presence.

The key to being a Christian is to know Jesus Christ with the whole of our being. It is important to know his sacred humanity through our senses and to reflect upon it with our reason, to treasure his teaching and example in our imagination and memory, and to imitate him by a life of moral integrity. This is the reason why prominence is given to Integral Faith Formation highlighting prayer as a means of developing a relationship with God. Through Lectio Divina we take his Word and allow the Word to direct, guide, question us in daily life. The daily practice of Lectio Divina and Centering Prayer awakens our spiritual faculties - the transcendent potential in us – our minds which open us up to unlimited truth, and to our will which reaches out for unlimited love. It is to them that Christ addresses himself in the Gospel with particular urgency and longs for a most intimate relationship with us.

Not only is it important to know Christ in all of our being, it is also important to know Jesus Christ in the whole of his being. We must know Christ, first of all in his sac red humanity and historical reality and, more precisely, in his passion, which is the culminating point of his life on Earth. The essential note of his passion is the emptying of his divinity. We enter into his emptying by accepting the emptying process in our own life, laying aside our false self and by living the presence of God, the source of our being.

We must know Christ, however, not only in his human nature – his resurrection – his passion and emptying – but also in his divinity. This is the grace of the resurrection. It is the empowerment to live his risen life. It is the grace to express his risen life in us, even as we experience our inner poverty, our weaknesses, and our failures.

The grace of the Ascension offers a still more incredible union, an invitation to unbounded life and love. This is the invitation to be one with the Christ, the Word of God, who has always been present in the world. Christ is “the light that enlightens everyone” (John 1:9) –the God who is secretly at work in the most unexpected and hidden ways. This is the Christ who disappeared in his Ascension beyond the clouds not into some geographical location, but into the heart of all creation. In a particular way, he has penetrated the very depths of our being – in whom we “live and move and have our being.” Now we can act under the direct influence of his Spirit. Thus, even if we drink a cup of tea or walk down the street, it is Christ living and acting in us, transforming the world from within. This transformation appears in the guise of our seemingly insignificant daily routine. Our ordinary doings became extra-ordinary because it is Christ’s love working in us and through us.

The grace of the Ascension is the triumphant faith that believes that God’s will is being done no matter what happens. It believes that creation is already glorified, though in a hidden manner, as it awaits the full revelation of the children of God. The grace of the Ascension enables us to perceive the irresistible power of the Spirit transforming everything into Christ despite any and all appearances to the contrary. In the dark alleys of Tondo, in the jungles of Basilan, in families torn by dissension, in the loneliness of the orphanage, old-age home, or wards for abused women and children – the light of the Ascension is burning with irresistible power. God is winning! This is one of the greatest intuitions of faith. This faith finds Christ not only in the beauty of nature, art, human friendship and service of others, but also in the malice and injustice of people or institutions and in the inexplicable suffering of the innocent. Even there it finds the same infinite love expressing the hunger of God for humanity, a hunger that He intends to satisfy.

Thus in Colossians, Paul does not hesitate to cry out with his triumphant faith in the Ascension: “Christ is all in all” – meaning not just in the future, but now. At this very moment we too have the grace to see Christ’s light shining in our hearts, to feel his absorbing Presence within us, and to perceive in every created thing – even the most disconcerting – the presence of his life, love, and glory.

LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP HELD AT THE 5TH JOHN PAUL II CATECHETICS-YOUTH MINISTRY CONFERENCE

by Anna Marie Llanos  

The afternoon of May 6, 2009 shone bright as scores of catechists gathered for the first day of the “Catechetics-Youth Ministry Conference” held at the Don Bosco Institute in Pasong Tamo, Makati. Now on its 5th year running, this annual affair draws catechists from all over the Philippines. It’s purpose is for formation as well as to help catechists and youth ministers to become more aware of God’s movement in their life and ministry. What made this Conference unique was that each participant was allowed the freedom to select from several modules the different sessions that they were drawn to attend for the duration of the Conference. Twenty-three individuals chose the module on Lectio Divina, which is essentially a “prayerful reading of Scripture” and discovering God through His Sacred Word.

Contemplative Outreach Phil. (COP) was invited to conduct the workshop on Lectio Divina. Pixie Cuisia was the main presenter explaining the basics of the prayer. She also explained the importance of developing one’s relationship with God which is essentially what prayer is. Then the group was given a taste of the actual practice of the method of Lectio. Helping Pixie C. was Anna Marie Llanos. Both of them found the group very receptive and interested in the new prayerful approach to “reading” Scripture.

When it was time for the sharing portion of the workshop, the first gentleman who volunteered said, "Before I begin my sharing I just want to say that I learned something from this talk and that is, to be more gentle with those I speak to since Pixie is so gentle.” Then others began to share the words or phrase that spoke to them. “What is God asking of me thru this word or phrase? What is my response to it?” Each one was led to be inwardly quiet and listen to God’s Word spoken in the context of one’s life at present.

At the end of the Lectio Divina workshop, Pixie C. and Anna Marie L. were asked to join Fr. De Guzman (Fr. Degs) and the others for a light dinner. Fr. Degs discussed the possibility of COP returning for next year’s conference in May 2010 and having 3 sessions instead of just one about the method and practice of Lectio Divina.

With the successful conclusion of the 5th John Paul II Catechetics -Youth Ministry Conference in general, and the workshop on Lectio Divina in particular, we sincerely pray that the participants would echo to the young people under their care the love of God as gleaned from the loving study of His everlasting Word. May His Word be truly a lamp for those who guide the youth in their search for their identity as children of God.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

THANK YOU, FAREWELL AND GODSPEED, FR. MANNY!

by Tess Colayco

A “despedida” potluck merienda cena was held in COP’s “clubhouse”, the gazebo of COP adviser, Ms. Lita Salinas on May 3, 2009. Members of the Circle of Service attended the affair enjoying the lovely ambiance, delicious food and most especially the heartwarming conversation that lasted up to early evening.

It seemed like it was only yesterday that Fr. Manny extended an invitation to Contemplative Outreach Phil. for the group to set up their center and Secretariat at St. John Bosco Parish. Being a contemplative at heart, it was Fr. Manny’s deepest desire that contemplative prayer would spread among his parishioners and SJB Parish would become a center for contemplative spirituality in the community.

(On July 15, 2008 the COP center at Rm 211 was blessed by Fr. Manny and was officially opened to both parishioners and the general public. Since then the COP Center has conducted several workshops in centering prayer and lectio divina, as well as formation classes for its members and business meetings for the organization. It’s good to be home in such a dynamic and welcoming parish as SJB.)

When asked about his new assignment after his 3-year stint as parish priest, Fr. Manny happily informed us that he would be teaching in the Graduate School of Theology at the Don Bosco Seminary in Paranaque. But before he starts his professorial role, Fr. Manny will go on a sabbatical leave for a couple of months, the highlight of which will be the “Camino de Santiago de Compostela”.

 
This is a famous pilgrimage in Europe, largely in Spain, that has its origins way back during medieval times. The “Way of St. James” has existed for over a thousand years. Legend says that when St. James, one of the apostles died in Jerusalem, his remains were carried by boat to northern Spain where he was buried on the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrimage route spans all of 700 kms. ending in Compostela, Spain, near the Pyrenees. Fr. Manny will walk this route every day, reflecting, praying, savoring the presence of God dwelling within Him and in all of creation.

The “Camino” will provide all the pilgrims, including Fr. Manny, with an extraordinary experience. The expanse, freshness and purity of nature and the possibility of meeting a vast collection of humanity along the way are occasions of encountering God in His many disguises. Graces and blessings abound!

And so with a lot of love and gratefulness in our hearts we say: “Thank you dear Fr. Manny, for inviting COP to St. John Bosco Parish. Thank you for inspiring us to do our ministry with as much zeal and commitment as you did serving God and your parishioners with tireless labor and total dedication to their spiritual wellbeing. We wish you Godspeed in your pilgrimage and pray that you may have many blessings, happy moments and heartwarming experiences during your “Camino”. And until your return, Vaya con Dios!
 

FROM CALL CENTER TO COP CENTER

by Rachelle Rule

One of the more enjoyable tasks that I do here at the COP office is the job of transcribing audio materials related to centering prayer. Some days for several hours, I would don my computer headset and tap out on the keyboard different transcriptions of the many speeches and talks that Fr. Keating has given. (At the moment it’s “Healing Our Violence thru the Journey of Centering Prayer”, a retreat that he and Fr. Richard Rohr gave together at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a few years ago.) It’s a marvelous opportunity for me to get to know more about Fr. Thomas Keating, one of the founders of the Centering Prayer movement, as well as for me to learn the different principles and eventually, the proper way of doing the centering prayer practice. In-between transcribing, in one of my quiet moments, I find myself musing over how far I seem to have gone in such a short time.

Just a few months ago, I was a technical call center agent in a nearby business processing office. It was a job that also demanded transcription as well as a few other specialized skills. But a deep inner longing for peace, and my desire to follow the Lord’s plan for me eventually brought me to COP’s doorstep.

Looking back, my 2-year call center job had its built-in challenges, some more difficult than others. To mention a few - I was mandated (disobedience meant losing my job, no questions asked) to “fix”-ing customers (your ability to calm irate callers is a must-have), to “change”-ing customers (agents call that CSAT - you please customers in order to earn job points and the eventual leap of your 15-day salary to five-figure range) to “control”-ing customers (any sale you make during the course of a call earns you freebees like the all-important SODEXO gift certificate and the ever-elusive trip to Hong Kong).

 
Never mind if my job before that was in a parish church; never mind if I belonged to a religious order as a lay professed member; never mind if money wasn’t everything. Consequently two years of call center life changed me to a state beyond hard. A state where money and getting what I wanted was above everything, and letting things "be" and just "be-ing" were signs that you were getting soft and turning into a wimp.

It seems like ages ago, but somehow, listening and reading about the human condition, the fruits and gifts of the Spirit, the practice itself of Centering Prayer (which I admit I had initial difficulty with, not because I did not get the concept, but because of the “interference” brought about by another contemplation method which I learned when I was still a hatchling during my formation as a lay Dominican) – all these are bringing me back to Reality. There’s truth to the saying: Be in this world but not of this world.

I smile when I think of that and then recall the words of Corinthians about looking into a mirror and initially seeing a dim reflection of things spiritual, but in time fully "knowing". I thank God that He is bringing me from what was just a dim reflection of Himself to what I hope would be in time a full reflection of Christ’s glory. As Psalm 20:7 says: “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.”

Meanwhile I live the present moment doing my job as secretary at the COP center, and try to apply in my ordinary daily life all that I have learned via transcribing Fr. Keating’s talks and reading the COP library books on centering prayer and the spiritual journey program of Fr. Keating.
 

COP COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

by Tess Colayco

A fund-raising garage sale was held on March 28, 2009 in San Lorenzo Village, Makati, in the driveway of Ping Ong, a COP member.  Several weeks prior to the event and up to the night before the actual sale, Ping’s garage was a beehive of activity.  Under her dedicated and efficient leadership, several COP volunteers helped sort, tag and price countless boxes of goods that were donated. 

The posters announcing the sale boasted of items such as clothes, home décor and gift items, electronics, men’s and women’s accessories, books and magazines, etc., that would be sold at low, low prices.  And so it was and more!  The hordes of people who went to the COP Community Garage Sale on Sat., March 28 shopped to their hearts’ delight from 8AM to 6 PM. Many of those who went came from the neighborhood, household helpers and drivers, security guards and village maintenance personnel.  Happy with their purchases, they spread the word about the sale to the rest of the neighborhood sending more customers to Ping and her crew of COP volunteers who worked tirelessly, selflessly.  A bunch of more dedicated and hard-working people you couldn’t find. 

With the great success that it was, the COP Community Garage Sale has achieved its purpose of raising funds to help defray the cost of running the COP Secretariat and center, as well as support its ministry of spreading centering prayer and contemplative spirituality among different parish communities, schools, religious organizations, business groups, etc.  All belong to the Kingdom of God and COP is committed to do its part in spreading the Good News of the Gospel thru centering prayer and lectio divina.

COP is deeply grateful to all the people, members and non-members alike, who donated items for the garage sale.  The overwhelming response to requests for donations was heartwarming, to say the least.   To Barangay San Lorenzo that provided the tarpaulin awning for the sale venue, COP is also very appreciative and would like to express its gratitude. 

The Finance, and Fund Raising Committees headed by Doris See/Ping Ong, and Violet de Borja/Terly Chikiamco respectively, did a great job in organizing the project.  Kudos and blessings to the COP volunteers (and their household helpers) who spent many days preparing for the garage sale, most especially Ping Ong who worked “above and beyond the call of duty”.  The following COP ladies also gave much of their time and effort to ensure the success of the fund-raising project -  Carmel D., Minda V., Violet dB, Pixie C., Carmen P.,  Tess C., Betty L., Doris S., Meny dR., Alice S., Billie T., Anna L., Dedette G, and others. 

One can look at the hugely successful Community Garage Sale as one more affirmation by the Lord of the mission and vision of COP which is to spread centering prayer leading to personal transformation and a more committed Christian discipleship among God’s people.

Martha and Mary

A busy day it was today

cp, gym, meeting, lunch

then off to Ping's to lend a hand

for COP's fundraising drive.

Minda was there when I arrived

then Meny came, Ana and Tess

chit chat here and there, browsing, looking

and then we did some shopping

Boxes arrived from Violet's collection

someone's rubbish, another's treasure

sorting, sifting, tagging

clothes, accessories, knick-knacks galore.

Seated in Ping's living room, I did some pricing

5 and 10,20 and 50, 100 and 350

pants and shirts, dishes and pans

old and new they came around

I stopped at 4 and headed home

to attend a funeral mass at 5

finally settled after moving about

excited to sit for a little bit.

Legs akimbo, cupped hands on my lap

evening prayer, a psalm I read

I close my eyes and start to smile

I thank my Papa He is here.

I am home

I am glad to be

with Papa's arm

embracing me.

Carmel Dael

"DISCOVERING THE GIFT OF MYSELF"... A REFLECTION

by Angie Mactal

My spiritual journey has taught me not to seek for answers to the questions of my condition in life but simply to trust that God is in control and that all things work for good to those who love Him.

Prior to the silent recollection last Saturday, March 21, 2009, I was barraged with words, questions, and incidents related to the past.  For about a week, I deliberately let them drift in and out of my head, trying to live in the present moment.  "Let them come...Let them go..."

I was attracted to the theme of the recollection: "Discovering the Gift of Myself".  As it turned out, it was an autobiographical approach to self-knowledge.  Its goal - to see myself as God sees me.

Revisiting my childhood and earlier years of my life made me realize how God has been quietly working in me all along. Tears of gratitude poured out from my eyes as I saw the connection between the different flashbacks that appeared in my mind.  I am so grateful for God's healing and transforming work in me.  And when Lita came near to clasp me in her arms, I felt God's love immensely.  It was so soothing and life-giving.

Keeping the silence the whole day and going through the three Centering Prayer sessions and four reflection periods put me in a space that allowed me to see that in all the disorder and total confusion I went through, God really never left me alone.  What a grace to be reaffirmed of God's boundless love for me!  Indeed there is no need for me to worry.  I can move on in life confident in God's constant presence no matter what challenges I have to face.

INTRODUCTORY CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP IN TAGAYTAY

by Rita Go

The Introductory Retreat in Centering Prayer which was held on March 6-8, 2009 at Karis Retreat House in Tagaytay City had 45 participants made up of singles, married, young ones, first timers as well as "repeaters" in previous centering prayer retreats.  One couple came by plane all the way from Iloilo City down south, just to be able to attend the retreat.

The retreat was staffed by Ana Marie Llanos who was at the beck and call of each and every participant.  Minda Villamayor and Billie Trinidad took charge of the book table, selling books on centering prayer and the spiritual journey by Fr. Thomas Keating, †Fr. Basil Pennington and Fr. William Menninger, the 3 founders of the centering prayer movement.  Pixie Cuisia and Rita Go completed the service team, making sure that everything would run smoothly during the retreat.

Lita Salinas gave the retreat.  As in all past retreats, she captured the audience' interest with her engaging and enlightened presentation of the prayer as well as the Spiritual Journey program of Fr. Keating.

One never gets tired of listening again and again to the same talks on Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and the Human Condition because somehow one always picks up something new each time.  This is a result of being on a different level of listening as well as being in a more open and receptive disposition, fruits of fidelity to the prayer.  Needless to say, one comes out of the experience deeply nourished and further affirmed in one's spiritual journey.

YOU ARE BELOVED…

by Lucy Gomez

(Excerpt reprinted from “Love Lucy,” The Philippine Star, March 6, 2005)

A beloved.  An embrace.  A healing.  Do you remember that point in your life when you found yourself caught in a quiet embrace that sets off feelings so positive and so beautiful, you wish the moment can just go on forever?  There were no words spoken, no songs playing, but the moment could not have been more perfect.  It may have been a parent’s secure embrace, a sibling’s reassuring squeeze, a friend’s compassionate hug, or being held close by your one great love.  Regardless of who you share it with, an embrace becomes essentially what it is when shared with a beloved. 

But…when was the last time you asked God to embrace you?  In case you forgot, God wants to hold you and spend time with you.  There is nothing more He would rather do than love you and give you the better life that His love will bring.

Last November, I finally had the privilege of taking a centering prayer (CP) workshop at Sanctuario de San Antonio.  It would be a grave injustice if I even attempt to compress in one article what CP is all about, more so if I even start to randomly enumerate its fruits and tell of the many lives that have benefited from it.  CP is something that is appreciated more when it is personally experienced.  In the same breath, let me also say that the experience is even more appreciated when it is savored.

I have always been taught that prayer is an activity.  Well, it started as a two-way activity between me and my God, but as I grew up and life naturally became more complicated, prayer became more a one-sided activity.  My prayer usually consisted of just babbling on and on.  There were hardly long, quiet moments.  When I was happy, I would go on and on in prayer, profusely thanking Him.  When caught in a sad moment, I would pour my heart and cast my cares to Him.  Always, he offered what no one else could offer, rest for the frantic, panicky, sad soul.  Always, He held out hope.

But silence, too, is a prayer.  Centering prayer does not take the place of your usual prayer life.  It is there to supplement it, make it even deeper than it already is.  When you do CP, you just hang out with God in a most quiet, intimate way.  You reconnect with Him in solitude and simplicity.  No thoughts, no words, no expectations, no feelings.  You bring nothing with you.  You strive to prove nothing, you do not work, talk, or think to bring any point across.  You do not even tell God what you want Him to do in your life.  There is no need.  Trust that He already knows.  And as you sit quietly and consent to that time with Him, He will recharge you and begin to work His miracle in your life.

You know how it is when all you want is to be hugged, knowing in your heart of hearts that that hug will carry you through?  We don’t want to be hugged for nothing.  The need is always rooted on an emotion, be it happy or sad.  CP is about that plus more.  You spend quality time with the Divine Being who treats us as nothing less than His beloved.  What could be a greater gift than that?  You just have to simply be.  You just have to simply exist in the present moment and enjoy the time you spend with God for what it is.

In this disposition, God heals us slowly but surely of our brokenness.  We surrender to Him, melt into His presence and allow Him to work inside us.  We don’t wake up one morning and say, “Hey, I will be a different person today.  I will test just how well CP is working in my life.  Bring on the situations, Lord!”  The fruits of the prayer are appreciated more in the context of daily living; some manifestations are subtle as others are more dramatic.  The change of heart is a grace pure and real.  Someone once said that God is the perfect gentleman.  He will not scream at you to get your attention.  He will woo you ever so gently, ever so quietly because His first and favourite language is silence.  When you choose to spend time with Him, there is no way that you will not develop an intimacy, a closeness.  Take one step, just one little step, and He will take a great leap to be by your side.  That is how much He loves you.  I leave you with this thought.  In the book of Jeremiah, God promises that “When you seek Me with all your heart, I will let you find Me.”  Let Him find you.  Melt into His presence.  Life is never about how bravely you struggle.  Oftentimes, it can be about how willingly you surrender.  Allow God to embrace you just as you are, and let His love heal you and make you the beautiful, wonderful, happy person that He made you to be.

BASKING IN THE LORD'S LOVE

by Billie Trinidad

I heard Him in the silence…as the leaves let go of the branches and dropped every now and then, prodded by the wind and the coming winter; as the snow fluttered gently down and quietly blanketed the earth.  I saw Him in the golden leaves of the Aspens…the porcupine who turned his little face to my camera; the chipmunk that dashed in and out of the branches; the family of elk watching me back from the mountains.  I tasted Him in Brother Charlie’s popovers.  Pat’s salads and Mary Ann’s soup and of course the pure and powdery snowflakes.  I felt Him in the sunshine warmly surrounding me…in the monastery, deep in prayer with the monks; in the power of the mountains; in the safety of the valley as we walked back to the hermitage in silence and love, illumined only by the gracious moon and the steadfast twinkling of the stars from vespers to dawn. I touched Him in the dishes we washed and the peppers we chopped…in the snowballs we joyously hurled at each other.  I smelled Him in the freshness of the air, and the sage brush growing along the road.  There was no doubt in my mind.  He was there.  It was as though my soul had come out to play; while my body just watched.  I basked in the Lord’s love.  I allowed Him to love me and refresh my soul.  It was truly a safe and sacred space.

† FR. THOMAS H. GREEN, S.J.
(March 19, 1932 - March 13, 2009)

A TRIBUTE

Fr. Tom (as he was fondly called) has gone ahead of us to the permanent home where we all pray to go to.  To be in God’s embrace, delighting and tasting the fullness of God’s love, joy and peace.

We will surely miss his profound wisdom, his very enlightening books, his very deep, yet clear and articulate way of speaking whether in his classes, retreats and talks, his guided spiritual direction, his invaluable contribution as an instrument of transformation for countless souls. 

He has been a member of our Board of Advisers in Contemplative Outreach Philippines these last twelve years.  He called  himself a “silent” adviser since we only asked for his help when needed, as we respected his many commitments that took up most of his time.  Yet knowing that we can rely on him anytime we needed his expert advice kept us secure.  We are deeply grateful for this. 

Only God knows how truly devoted he was as a priest of God, a true Jesuit – a man for others.  Though he was an American, he spent most of his life serving the kingdom of God in this side of the world and we, the Filipinos, have become better for it, and most blessed because of his long presence and unwavering service in the Philippines.

We do not bid you goodbye, Fr. Tom.  Only till we meet again.  Please remember all of us to God as we daily pray for your “resting in Him” for all eternity.  

                                                                             Lita Salinas

LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP

by Josie Tordesillas

The Don Bosco Parish of Makati and Contemplative Outreach Philippines (COP) co-sponsored a one-day Lectio Divina workshop last February 28, 2009.  Participants numbered more than a hundred including a service team of COP members overseeing registration, book sales, and other sundry tasks to assist both facilitator and participants alike.  Former COP director, Lita T. Salinas was main speaker and facilitator. Majority of those who attended were hearing about Lectio Divina for the first time.  But for a few who have been practicing the prayer for some time and have had the opportunity to listen to Lita’s presentation for the nth time, it was a refreshing renewal of their practice and experience of the prayer.

The workshop was presented in four ninety-minute conferences, with three breaks (including lunch) in between.  The morning sessions were a presentation explaining Lectio Divina, emphasizing the fact that prayer is a relationship with God.  After lunch, the participants had a chance to practice what they learned from the morning sessions.  Led by Lita, they “lectioed” on the Gospel of St. Luke: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Lk. 9:23-25).  After the prayer, some participants shared about their first experience with Lectio Divina.  Before the end of the session, questions submitted earlier were answered and discussed by Lita and their proponents.  The day’s event was concluded with a prayer of thanks for a day well spent.

"DANCING" WITH THE LORD - SOME REFLECTIONS

by Veekee Constantino

On Feb. 28, 2009, we were treated to a beautiful  encounter with the Lord thru an Introductory Workshop in Lectio Divina given by Lita Salinas, COP formator and adviser.  We learned that Lectio or the prayerful reading  of Scripture is one of the best ways to develop one’s relationship with God. 

Using the analogy of how relationships grow on the human level evolving from “acquaintanceship”, “friendliness”, “friendship”, and “union”, Lita explained the same dynamic in one’s relationship with the Lord. 

Lectio can be compared to a 4-step dance with the Spirit leading us in the 4 movements of “reading”, “reflecting”, responding” and “resting”.  We had an opportunity to practice this dance towards the end of the workshop, as we were guided to do the prayer practice using one of the Gospel readings.  It was a beautiful experience!

Here are a few reflections by some of the participants:

“Lecto Divina coincides with the longing of my heart to be more intimate with God and be transformed in the process... I am fortunate to have been blessed with this kind of enriching and Spirit-filled seminar..."  (by Ma. Luz Collantes)

 “The workshop was very refreshing..." (by Erlinda Arevalo)

“Lectio Divina is a good start in deepening one’s relationship with God, elevating one’s level of faith... The essence is listening to God and being inwardly transformed thru obedience to His Word.” (by Lina C. Santos)

----------------------------------------------

Indeed Lectio Divina is like “dancing” with God with Him in the lead as we follow Him wherever He wants to take us.  The regular practice of lectio enables us to grow in friendship and intimacy with the Lord.  Then we can more readily let go and let God lead us in our spiritual journey.

A “BEGINNER’S” LECTIO

I attended my first ever Lectio Divina Workshop on Feb. 28, 2009 at Roozen Hall, St. John Bosco Parish.  It was a profoundly moving experience for me. 

When Mrs. Salinas said she was going to read the Scripture about following Jesus by taking up our own cross, I wondered what new message I can derive from this much-read Gospel. So when she started reading, immediately, my attention was caught by the word DAILY from the phrase "...must take up his cross DAILY". I had to tell myself I was not yet supposed to "look" for THE word, as it was supposed to be after the Scripture has been read once and during the reflection/ruminating stage. Besides, I am not sure the word DAILY was really in that passage as I never recall reading it in that passage before.

So when the Scripture passage was re-read, I realized the word DAILY was indeed there and that it was the word I was to ponder upon. But why "naman" DAILY? Such a common trivial word, and "only" an adverb. Nothing dramatic in that word.

Why DAILY "nga ba"?  I thought all along that as Jesus' follower I am to carry my cross all the time. But, if Scripture says I have to take it up daily, then I must put down the cross at some point. I get to have a break "pala" from carrying my cross! Now the Scripture passage that I dreaded so much in the past --because following Christ means suffering-- has actually taken on a new comforting twist -- I have a break "pala"!!!              Wow!!! In this season of Lent, it was quite contradictory that the message I got is a cause for celebration!  I also realized that I must affirm my commitment to the Lord DAILY, and so, aside from my daily mass, I should make it a faithful habit to start my morning with daily reflection which should now be deepened to meditation. And having received a surprisingly comforting  revelation, I was moved to share the result of my meditation with the group.

But there lingered one question in my mind -- "If I take up my cross daily, when do I put it down? At night when I sleep? But the Lord is not confined by time, so maybe it is not just at night. When do I get that break from my cross?"

As I got back to my seat after my sharing, the Lectio Guidelines hand-out caught my attention, specifically the line - "CONTEMPLATIO:  Resting in God".

"RESTING IN GOD!!!"  Eureka!!! I got goose bumps all over me!

It all makes sense now. It is when I rest in Him that I lay down my cross to be nourished, renewed and transformed, What a BEAUTIFUL and AWESOME grace He has gifted me on the day I was formally introduced to Lectio Divina.

                                                              Rescina Bhagwani

ANG MULING PAGKABUHAY NG ATING PANGINOON PARISH (AMPAPP) CENTERING PRAYER GROUP

CP RETREAT

by Charit Montalban

On Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009 fourteen members of AMPAPP CPG attended a silent retreat in Tagalog in Alfonso, Cavite.  The participants, 13 women and one man, (average age 54, average CP practice 4 years) were mostly housewives and parish employees; Kuya Rudy is a tricycle driver who gave up 3-days income to be able to attend.  A CP retreat experience has been on their wish list for the past couple of years.  Last year the members started an “alkansiya” which was passed around during weekly meetings; meanwhile COP members, families and friends donated used items which AMPAPP CPG members sold in “baratillos”.  P13,900 was raised and amply covered the food and transportation expenses.

The retreat schedule included 3 Lectio Divina periods without sharing, 6 CP periods including a double with contemplative walk, and 6 talks taken from “Invitation to Love” (Ch. 17 The First Four beatitudes, Ch. 18 The Last Four Beatitudes, Ch. 20 From Contemplation to Action, Ch. 21 Contemplation in Action).  Each talk was followed by a 15 minute reflection period.  For the Closure each participant was asked to share a fruit of the Prayer in their life, a realization from the Retreat and their response by way of “taking a stand” (commitment).

The participants’ response to the challenge of silence was most commendable.  They arrived very subdued as they had started to “practice” silence during the 3.5 hours trip from Bagong Silang to Cavite.  They were up before dawn and each day was started with 6 am mass at the St. John Nepomucene Church in the town plaza.  Their sharing during the Closure clearly reflected how closely they listened within the context of their lives and how they understood the challenge of taking “personal responsibility” in the socio-political and environmental dimensions.

Service team members Pixie Cuisia and Charit Montalban were both grateful for the opportunity to help make a dream come true and share the silence with those who love Centering Prayer.  Meriam Albeza, AMPAPP CPG coordinator reported that the extended silence was a totally new experience that had a great impact on the participants.  They also found Fr. Keating’s explanation of the Beatitudes within the context of the Human Condition and the Spiritual Journey very enlightening and helpful.

DIARY OF A MINI-INTENSIVE RETREAT

Day 1 – Feb. 16, 2009 – We take off for Lake Island  Resort in Binangonan, Rizal.  Running a bit late.  Pixie, who’s driving takes a wrong lane down EDSA.  We take another route, get into more traffic.  We ask a policeman, can you allow us to turn in a “NO U’TURN” road, we say we are already late for a retreat.  He says “Ok”.  I ask his name – Santos he replies.  As we get into that road, no cars at all, but wait, a cop 100 meters away sees us and pulls us over.  We say “Officer Santos allowed us to turn!”  He waves us on.  Now I realize – “Santos” means saints.  St. Michael & company were helping us!  Earlier we asked him to make us fly on angels’ wings!

We arrive in Lake Island an hour late.  Turns out most everyone else is either late or lost.  The 10am Orientation period begins at 11:45am.  Billie explains for the newcomers as well as for those who took this same retreat last June 2-6, 2008.

Lunch began at 12:30noon.  Just for the onset, we held hands and blessed the food, We prayed for our homes and families, we prayed for our members who couldn’t join for whatever reason.  I silently prayed I wouldn’t eat too much.

We could still talk over lunch.  The meal was delicious as usual.  Linda always feeds us like royalty!  A short nap.  Two periods of 20 minutes each began at 2pm.  We did one contemplative walk in between.  Another period of 2 sits from  5-6pm.  Mass was at 6pm.  No homily.  We just sat and did our own lectio on the Gospel.  Dinnertime was super quiet.  Fr. Basil Pennington (God rest his soul), once said that when you eat in silence, you cherish every bite, every spoonful.  He was right.  The adobo never tasted so good.  I had to remind myself – “Anna, no second servings, you promised.”  No desserts either.  “Lord, I lied, please forgive me.”

I poured a cup of coffee telling myself, - “You won’t be able to sleep tonight.”  Deaf ears.  Brought my coffee to a deck overlooking the lake.  My canopy was the dark blue sky.  The lights came from the stars peeping through some clouds.  “Thank you Lord, for bringing me here.  It’s so peaceful!  I am alone but I feel accompanied by a myriad of stars, little lights in the background on the horizon.”  Coffee tasted so good!  After a while of walking around a bit, decided to turn in and get some rest.  Tossed & turned till I fell asleep at 3am.

Day 2 – Tuesday – Feb. 17 – Alarm went off at 6am, 3 periods of CP at 6:45am.  Three hours of sleep but I was awake and ready to lead the CP. Already I feel God’s love enveloping me.  I realize more concretely now that God loves all of His children and takes them as they are in their spiritual life.  We’ve been hearing this from Lita time and again, but this time it was a felt experience.  I have been judging a friend for something he did, and I heard God saying to me – “Don’t be judgmental.  See, your friend is also my child.  I love him as I love you.  It is I myself who will save him, not you.  Your role is to just show by example.  Thank you Lord for reminding me all over again.”

Day 3 – Wednesday – Feb. 18 – I had a good, long sleep last night, no coffee.  The hour-long CPs divided into 3 periods of 20 min. sits with 2 contemplative walks in between seem so short,  while at home, a 20 or 30 min. sit seems to last forever..  Why does this one hour sit over here go so fast?  I think it’s the collective energy of 28 of us that causes me to really go down deep into my center.  It feels so good to know that 28 of us, (29 including Linda, owner of Lake Island Retreat and Conference Center) can truly be in union with God in silence.  It’s the silence that makes us feel one with our Creator.  In the silence that we are experiencing, I can hear the Lord speaking to me, embracing me, loving me.  He is urging me to love this person, forgive that person, be kinder to yet another person.  He is pointing out my shortcomings, so gently, yet so firmly that I can see where I have done wrong, where I must ask for forgiveness, where I must forgive.  “Dear Jesus, you always went alone to the mountain to pray to your Father, without food nor shelter, you stayed up all night to pray.  Here we are in this beautiful resort, with such good food and we can rest at night.  You are teaching me to pray always specially before making big decisions.  Thank you Jesus for showing me by your example.”

Day 4 – Thursday – Feb. 19 – Today seems to be a day for “unloading” literally and physically.  One person threw up right after breakfast.  Another had stomach problems.  Yet another disappeared after the 2^nd afternoon sit because she experienced gastritis. I don’t know about the others who keep things to themselves but these things are to be expected.  The Lord is evacuating whatever isn’t good to keep inside our bodies.  In spite of all these happenings, the rest of us are enjoying the weather, the food, the whole atmosphere.  Indeed this is a much needed respite from everyday life. 

Day 5 – Friday – Feb. 20 – My bags are packed.  We have the 6:45am CP but only 2 sits of 20 min and one contemplative walk.  The Mass is at 8am.

Breakfast is at 9am – silence is lifted.  Oh, what glory to be able to share our experiences!

Everyone is high.  After breakfast, we sit in a smaller circle and share what this retreat has done for each one of us. Many want to have 6 days next year.  Oh my!  All of us are so happy to have had this opportunity to be with God and with one another.  One cries from sheer joy.  There’s hugging and greeting one another before we part.  Alleluia!

We are equipped to meet the rest of the year knowing that God is Good, God is Love! 

                                                                                                Anna Marie Llanos

AN EVENING WITH CO SINGAPORE

On Feb. 9  I had the pleasure of joining the 3 centering prayer groups of CO Singapore in a beautiful evening of prayer and fellowship. With such warmth and gracious hospitality, Cecilia Ee, CO international contact person in Singapore picked me up from my hotel to join her group (Restful Waters) and the 2 other support groups, Blessed Sacrament and Star of the Sea, for prayer and bonding as a community.  Venue was at the lovely home of Cecilia’s family.

The whole evening was marked with much  joy and camaraderie, interspersed with an enthusiastic  sharing of our experiences in the ministry including our respective activities (i.e., workshops, retreats, formation programs, etc.)  After the sumptuous dinner where I learned how to make an authentic Chinese “lumpia” or vegetable crepe,  and more laughter and interesting conversation, Agnes Ee, Cecilia’s sister, gave me a set of 3 DVD’s of Fr. Keating’s 6-follow up talks on the CP Introductory Workshop.  It was so kind of Agnes, and Michael Lim (facilitator of Star of the Sea CPG) to share with CO Phil. this precious video material of which we only had the transcripts  all these years.

To CO Singapore, from COP, thank you so much for the gift!  And thank you, Cecilia, Agnes (Ee and Lim), Greg and Anne, Christine, Molly, Veronica, Esther, Lucy, Dinah and the rest of my other Singapore cp friends who made me feel so welcome while I was in your midst.  Indeed the prayer bonds us beyond words!  Deo gratias!

                                                                                                Tess Colayco

GROWING IN PRAYER WITH FR. THOMAS GREEN, S.J

On 7 February 2009, I together with prayer partners in Contemplative Outreach Philippines joined other Christian denominations in an afternoon of recollection conducted by Fr. Thomas Green, SJ on “Prayer: The Analogy of Human Love” at the Union Church of Manila in Rada St., Makati.  Reaffirming prayer as our personal relationship with God, Fr. Green revealed that this relationship is expressed in different ways, from a one-way talking to God to the two-way conversing with Him, to silent listening.  He talked on the difference between mere intellectual activity and a faith-grounded experience of Jesus in prayer.

 I was particularly struck by his statement: “Nobody is sanctified by good ideas.”  A good prayer relationship leads us to discernment and a discovery of what God wants for us each day and for all time.  That we are doing it rightly can only be seen in the fruits of the Spirit manifested in our day-to-day living - charity, joy, peace, meekness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, perseverance, self-control. 

According to Fr. Green the goal of a genuine prayer life is to love as we are loved.  This is centered on loving God always and letting this love flow into our love of neighbor, brother, sister, and even strangers.  A relationship built on prayer consists of three stages - knowing, loving and truly loving.  At the end of this relationship is not the feeling good but rather the desire for the good of the other, thus it is self-emptying, self-giving.     He talked about the “dry well,” which is the “dark night” according to St. John of the Cross, where our awareness of God’s Presence in our prayer is not felt.  For many, this is difficult to live through, but a chosen few persevere in deepened faith and trust in God.  As Teresa of Avila said, “We don’t have to think much, only to love much.”  Fr. Green asked us to reflect on whether we love God for Himself or for His consolations.  The choice leads to an act of our will.  Choosing rightly leads to openness to God’s healing.  In time, our love and our prayer are made perfect, but all in God’s time.

The last quarter of the day was spent in a question and answer session.  Most of the questions asked for affirmation while some were on discernment.  His responses included defining sin and the actions of the devil in our midst.  He advised that one should never make important decisions in a period of desolation, and detachment from consolations, keeping faith that God cares more than we do.  In this he cited Martin Luther’s “Fides viva” (living faith).  Keeping this childlike relationship is not to be immature, drawing on the story of Job in the Bible. 

Thus, the spiritual journey consists in stretching our soul until it is wide enough to contain God.  This led me to the insight that when I keep it all to myself I find it too much to take but when I start giving it away, it is just right.  Our dependence on God and not on ourselves is where true freedom lies.  

Fr. Green is a renowned spiritual director and author of 9 books on the subject of growing and deepening one’s relationship with God thru prayer.  He is based in San Jose Seminary, being its Spiritual Director.  He is also a professor in Philosophy and Pastoral Theology at the Ateneo de Manila University.

During the afternoon recollection, Fr. Green’s books were sold and orders for audio/video materials of his talk were taken.  Contemplative Outreach Phil. is blessed to have Fr. Thomas Green in its Board of Advisers.

(It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Fr. Green on March 13, 2009 when he finally succumbed to his heart ailment.  May Fr. Tom rest in God's light and peace forever.)

                                                                                                     Chuchi Daroy

ST. JOHN BOSCO PARISH FIESTA

To celebrate the feast of Don Bosco, patron saint of St. John Bosco Parish, a Mass was held in the main church on Feb. 1 at 5:30 PM, the principal celebrant being His Excellency, Edward Joseph Adams, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Phil.  Concelebrating the beautiful sung Mass which was animated by the SJB Youth Choir fresh from their Canadian tour just 2 months earlier, were 3 other priests and Fr. Manny Domingo, parish priest of St. John Bosco.

It was pure blessing and privilege for Contemplative Outreach Phil. to be asked to bring the wine and hosts to the altar during the Offertory Procession.  Lita Salinas, Ping, Ong, Dedette Gamboa and Tess Colayco received a blessing from the Papal Nuncio upon reaching the altar with the wine and hosts to be blessed, broken, and later given to the faithful.

The fiesta Mass was very well-attended with the church filled to the last pew and the Mass goers enthusiastically participating in the liturgy.  Indeed St. John Bosco has blessed the parish with a renewed spiritual fervor and deeper commitment to one’s Christian vocation.  Parish life has become an important venue for living one’s life, individually and as a community of God’s people.  All joy in the Lord!...as St. John Bosco continues to bless our parish community in our journey of love and service to God and our fellowmen.

COP ANNUAL COMMUNITY GATHERING 

Warmth and joy filled the air at our first Community Gathering at the Don Bosco premises, our new home. Different COP Centering Prayer groups from all over Metro Manila came. Greeting familiar faces, most of the time without knowing names, was met with easy smiles or little hugs.  The place was filled to the brim as members clustered in circular tables.

Our mentor and adviser, Lita Salinas stressed the importance of being in a community, explaining how one’s character, involvement and potential are slowly revealed and developed as we immerse in it.  She asked us not to be afraid for ours is not a community of perfect people but a people wanting to be  non-judgmental and open to God.  A place where one can belong and care, a place where one learns to listen and grow in a deepening relationship with God.  A home for the heart where good things can happen.  I felt privileged and happy to be there.

Millette T. Ocampo

SURPRISE TRIBUTE FOR LITA SALINAS

To show our love, gratitude and appreciation to Lita Salinas on the occasion of her stepping down as Director of COP after 18 years,  a surprise tribute was given in her honor during our COP Annual Gathering on Jan. 24, 2009.  The venue for the double event was Roozen Hall at St. John Bosco Parish. A slide show focusing on Lita’s multi-faceted role as wife/mother/grandmother, COP leader and formator, friend and spiritual companion  was prepared by Miren Sun.  It brought back many beautiful memories for the community especially for those who had been with Lita  during the early years of COP.   

At a certain point during the tribute, a few members made a toast to Lita telling her how much they had learned from her example, guidance and wisdom.  From the U.S., Grace Padilla who started COP with Lita in the ‘80s,  Ms. Bonnie Shimizu (member, Resource Faculty of CO) and Fr. Thomas Keating sent their messages of love, gratitude and good wishes as Lita continues to play a significant  role in COP as mentor and spiritual adviser.

To Lita, a woman of deep faith, quiet wisdom and gentle grace, thank you for the gift that you are to all of us in COP!  We love you and we shall always be grateful for the beautiful way that you have taught us to “be” as a prelude to doing, loving and living our ordinary lives with extraordinary love.                                                                                   

                                                                                    Tess Colayco

THE GIFT CALLED LITA

I was awed by the surprise tribute to Lita Salinas last January 24, 2009.  I experienced goose bumps while viewing the presentation of how Contemplative Outreach Philippines started and most especially how Lita went through the challenging times of refining Centering Prayer for the Philippine framework, implementing programs that would heighten spiritual growth and development for I am a recipient too, of all the unconditional and unwavering service of Lita together with the Contemplative Outreach Philipines leadership, in the more than twelve years of residency in the community.

Beyond doubt, Lita has served all these 18 years with fidelity because of her faithfulness to God, the Source of all her competence, her being, and to Centering Prayer.  I am indebted to God for having found Centering Prayer and Contemplative Outreach Philippines, the community where I experience the deepening of my spiritual life and my ongoing transformation.

                                                                                                Angie Mactal

REMINISCENCES OF CP, COP AND LITA

During our last Community Gathering , I was so overwhelmed at the sight of so many people who are all members of Contemplative Outreach Philippines (COP) .   My mind went back to the beginnings of COP when it was just a Centering Prayer Group gathered by Grace Padilla to practice the prayer.  I was attracted to this prayer of silence and since then I have been practicing the discipline to this day, after almost two decades.  My heart swells with gratitude when I realize this precious gift not only of prayer that the Lord has given me...but most especially for the friends, all co-travelers in the spiritual journey I have embarked on.  The Lord has been very kind to me that even now that I don't feel up to serving the community as I used to, He has been sustaining me in my prayer.

At this point, I would like to make special mention of Lita Salinas whose total giving of self has been an inspiration to me.  In her talk during our gathering, she said that she had never thought of herself as one who would be giving talks, workshops, or retreats.  But, when the Lord called her to do just that, she just followed her assignment and humbly submitted to His Will.  And the rest is history (as they say). I believe that she is God's gift to COP when she was made a faculty member of Contemplative Outreach Ltd. and as director of its Philippine chapter which is now COP.  Surely we can see that the Lord is all wise in choosing the right person to do His job.  And now that it has attracted more "laborers to the field" Lita has been given some respite from the nitty gritty aspect of administration.  A new group of Servant Leaders has emerged to oversee COP's day-to-day existence...and a secretariat with a full-time secretary named Faith.

It is such a joy to see how in two decades Contemplative Prayer has become an awesome presence in so many people's lives.

Thanks be to God!

Josie Tordesillas

A REFLECTION ON COMMUNITY

A few days before our Annual Community Gathering, I was familiarized with 15 random phrases in connection with the  power point slides that Ms. Lita Salinas asked me to prepare for her talk. They were just simple everyday words I never suspected would change the way I look at Community.

I always see Community as a group of people bonded together by some common interest and/or principles.  They meet, they chat, they share stories and then go out on their own looking forward to another scheduled meet-chat-share day.  I am blessed to be a part of two wonderful communities --- the Franciscans and Contemplative Outreach Phil. (COP).  I am often amazed how one complements the other in ways I never expected and sure enough, journeying thru life has been a lot more colorful. But much to my surprise, I still find myself asking the question, “Why am I here?”  Often, the answers I get are selfish, self-centered reasons like: I belong, I have friends, I have an ID I can show off, I am happy, and most especially I feel the instant conversion from bad person to saint every time I’m in the community because I’m actually mingling with saints!  But obviously, the focus is on the “I”.  

It was only last January 24 from Ms. Lita’s talk where I realized that the question “Why am I here?” is not even necessary.  To be in the community is a calling and not a decision.  It is God’s choice, not mine that I am here.  Community is not finding cliques and creating a network of friends I can boast of.  It’s not being cool because I have an affiliation, an identity.  It’s not about being invited to events and parties because Community goes beyond attending activities to getting involved and being accountable to the Community itself, as what Ms. Lita emphasized.  It’s not even the natural high I get every time I feel as if I’m one of the “saints.”  Moreover, being a member of a religious community is not about putting on the mask of righteousness and perfection.  What constitutes a real community is one’s vulnerability and openness…the willingness to show one’s weakness and the trust that is developed every time we share something of ourselves with others.  It is the stripping off of any defenses or inhibitions right down to the very core to reveal the true self which in its essence is the genuine image of Christ.  It’s a long process and according to Ms. Lita, it takes a thousand dying-to-oneself experiences and a whole lot of humility.  Plus we need to be in communion with others because we cannot do it on our own.  But once we are able to do it, we can slowly move the focus from the “I” to the “You”.

As we see our own woundedness, we begin to understand the woundedness of others as well.  Compassion is developed and we begin to show genuine care towards the other members of the community, helping them to grow according to God’s plan.  Community is no longer about me benefiting and getting from the group, but more about sharing and caring for others, even people outside of the Community, helping them in their own journey.  A thousand times of  dying to oneself…Whew! It’s still a long, long road for me…but hopefully I’ll get there…We can all get there…after all, we are in community journeying with each other in faith and utmost charity for one another.

                                                                                    Faith Faburada

INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP IN BAGUIO

Under bright sunny skies and seasonably cold weather in Baguio right after the Christmas holidays, 5 members of COP presented and staffed a CP Introductory Workshop for the Sacred Heart Community, a charismatic prayer group.  Seventy-six members enthusiastically joined the workshop which was held at the organization’s center along Military Cutoff Road on Jan. 10-11, 2009.  Main workshop speakers were Billie Trinidad and Pixie Cuisia helped by Dedette Gamboa who presented the Method of CP and Lectio Divina.  Anna Marie Llanos who organized the retreat and Minda Villamayor, COP “librarian” staffed during the workshop. 

With their introduction to contemplative prayer and appreciating its value as a way of becoming more open to God and deepening one’s relationship with the Lord, the Sacred Heart Community will add centering prayer to their charismatic spiritual practices.  They also plan to integrate centering prayer in their sessions every time they meet in their “households”.

LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP

A one-day Lectio Divina workshop was conducted on November 22, 2008 at the chapel of San Miguel Corp.Head Office in Mandaluyong. The presenter was Charit Montalban.  The service team was headed by Terly Chikiamco, facilitator of St. Michael Centering Prayer Group that also sponsored the workshop.  Many of the 28 participants had attended earlier Centering Prayer Workshops

INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP AT ST. JOHN BOSCO PARISH

On Oct. 18, 2008, Contemplative Outreach Phil. conducted an Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer at Roozen Hall, Don Bosco Parish in Makati.  Presenters were Billie Trinidad and Pixie Cuisia. Several COP members from different CP groups lent a hand to the sponsoring Don Bosco CP group in staffing the workshop which was attended by 45 participants. Sharing on “The Fruits of CP” were Dedette Gamboa, Carmel Dael and Richard Smith.  Some of the participants indicated interest in joining a weekly support group and a few have already started attending the Don Bosco CP group every Mon. at 6:00 PM.

CP WORKSHOP FOR LIGAYA NG PANGINOON COMMUNITY

As an offshoot of a previous CP Workshop in Quezon City organized by the St. Ignatius CP group in March 2008, another CP Introductory Workshop was held on Oct. 12, 2008 for the Ligaya ng Panginoon Charismatic Prayer Community.  The venue was in Ateneo University in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.  Charit Montalban was the sole presenter of the workshop which was attended by 58 men and women, mostly couples. The service team was led by Minda Villamayor, facilitator of St. Benedict’s  CP group in Makati.

CP TAGALOG WORKSHOP IN QUEZON CITY

On Oct. 4, 2008, a CP Introductory Workshop in Tagalog was held  at Adveniat House of the Augustinians of the Assumption, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, with the encouragement and support of the parish priest of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish in the same area.  The sponsoring group was the St. Ignatius Centering Prayer Group in Quezon City headed by Agnes Chan who also coordinated the workshop.  There were 6 other members in the Service Team.

Charit Montalban was the sole presenter of the Tagalog workshop. She had worked tirelessly in the past few years translating into Tagalog the talks for the CP Introductory Workshop. The main participants were the urban poor of the parish numbering 66 although 7 friends of the CP sponsoring group also joined the workshop.  The group gave very positive feedback about the workshop at its conclusion.

CP INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP AT GREENHILLS

On Sept. 20, 2008, a CP Introductory Workshop was held at Mary, the Queen Parish, Greenhills, San Juan.  Sponsoring it were 3 CP groups – St. Michael CPG, St. Gabriel CPG and Mary the Queen CPG.  Workshop presenters were Pixie Cuisia and Rita Go.  Sharing on “The Fruits of CP” were Richard Smith, Betty Lim and Chuchi Daroy.  All in all there were 20 participants. 

LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP

Following the Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop at Our Lady of Pentecost Parish on March 8, 2008,  St. Ignatius CP Group in cooperation with the Parish sponsored a one half day Lectio Divina Workshop on April 19, 2008. The speaker was Lita Salinas. Venue was the Parish Church.  St. Ignatius CP Group led by Agnes Chan organized the workshop which was attended by 70 participants, a mix of both parishioners as well as non-parishioners. 

CP WORKSHOP AT OUR LADY OF PENTECOST PARISH

The first parish-initiated  Introductory Workshop on Centering Prayer in the Diocese of  Cubao, Quezon City was sponsored by the Parish of Our Lady of Pentecost on March 8, 2008, at the Adveniat House of the Augustinians of the Assumption, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.  It was attended by 57 men and women majority of whom were parishioners. 

The sole presenter during the workshop was Charit Montalban.  The service team was headed by Agnes Chan, facilitator of St. Ignatius CP group based in Quezon City. The workshop was very well received by the participants who at the end of the day expressed keen interest in attending future talks and retreats by COP, especially a workshop on Lectio Divina.

CP WORKSHOP FOR SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION EMPLOYEES

Thru its Chaplain, Fr. Armand Robleza, Salesian of Don Bosco (S.D.B.), the San Miguel Corporation Parish Council requested the “in-house” St. Gabriel’s CP group for a CP Introductory Workshop to be offered to interested SMC employees.  The workshop was held on July 26, 2008, attended by 32 participants, 20 of whom were from SMC and the rest from the general public.  Workshop presenters were Pixie Cuisia and Miren Sun.  Organizer and coordinator of the workshop was Terly Chikiamco,  the sponsoring CP group head, who was ably helped by her group members.  Six of the workshop participants have since joined the weekly CP prayer sessions held at the SMC executive dining room every Tuesday evening.

CP INTRODUCTORY RETREATS

In 2008, there were 3 CP Introductory Retreats that were given by COP, all facilitated by Lita Salinas.  The first one was on March 7-9 at Lake Island Resort, Binangonan, Rizal which was attended by 23 participants.  The second one was on June 2-4 attended by 20, and the last one was on July 18-20 at St. Joseph Marello Retreat House in Tagaytay.  Twenty-three participants attended the weekend retreat.  All 3 retreats were staffed by Anna Marie Llanos, Billie Trinidad, and other COP members. 

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