We recently wrapped up our five-week School of the Word (SOW) series, "Your Life is for Loving," which served as a beautiful season of reflection before a major transition. For the past eight months, CTK Parish and the Opus chapel have generously hosted our Friday night gatherings. On June 26, our prayer family said a grateful goodbye to the space as we prepared to move the SOW to our new venue starting this July. Looking back, this entire journey has been a powerful reminder of how clearly God guides our steps: 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩. (Psalm 119:105). 

The series offered a vibrant reminder of our charism as Verbum Dei, which centers on allowing the Word to deeply transform us so that God's love naturally overflows to a hurting world. As the Apostle John wrote, 𝘞𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘴. (1 John 4:19).

Gerard kicked off the series by grounding everyone in this baseline reality, reminding us that love is our absolute identity. "Because we have been loved without measure," Gerard shared, "God invites our total response of love."  Chris then challenged the community to realize that true fulfillment comes from what a person gives away, especially to those who are difficult to love, echoing Christ’s call: "𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶." (Matthew 5:44).

The following week, Cecilia took us straight to the Upper Room and reminded us that we possess the exact same capacity to love like Christ. Sharing a quote from St. Carlo Acutis, Cecilia noted that standing before Jesus in the Eucharist makes us saints, and echoed our founder, Fr. Jaime Bonet: "I want to be your mouth, your feet and hands." It’s a powerful call for us to practically serve as Jesus' presence today, embodying His words: "𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵." (John 13:14). 

Then, Mel brought us back to the very core of our mission: the Word itself. Diving into the parable of the Good Samaritan, he reminded us that "to love is to give life through the Word." Loving others means introducing them to a life-changing encounter with God so they can discover their own capacity to love through evangelization, fulfilling the text: “‘𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵…’ 𝘢𝘯𝘥, ‘𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.’” (Luke 10:27). 

Finally, Resti shared the guidelines for the last night at the Opus chapel, focusing on John 15 and Matthew 9. The prayer centered on how Jesus calls His followers friends and commands them to lay down their lives for one another. Seeing the crowds, Jesus had deep compassion because they were harassed and helpless. Today, believers are called to step directly onto the frontlines as living messengers of that same love, as Jesus commanded: "𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴: 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴." (John 15:13).


While our venue changes, our mission remains the same. As families praying together, we move forward under His constant promise: "𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘦." (Matthew 28:20).  Join us as we continue our Friday gatherings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM at our temporary home: the Verbum Dei Center of Formation, #53 E. Santos St. corner Market Ave., Palatiw, Pasig City. Come and see!

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​The Easter Encounter 2026, held at the VD Formation Center in Pasig, was a meaningful and grace-filled celebration of Holy Week centered on the theme: "Mahal Kita at Iniaalay ko ang Aking sarili para sa'yo! (Galatians 2:20).

The half-day gathering brought together participants from various apostolates— couples, adults, teens, and youth—as well as members of the Verbum Dei Family, and was open to all who wished to deepen their faith. The program included inspiring talks, moments of personal and communal prayer, and opportunities for sharing. Participants were also guided through the Eucharistic liturgical celebrations from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday presided by Fr. Filipe Pardal and enriched by brief catechesis. Whereas, Sr. Juvy Tenorio led the overall coordination of the event.

A highlight of the Easter encounter was the Siete Palabras (Seven Last Words), presented through powerful testimonies of faith from lay disciples and Resti Bautista, one of our missionary couples. The Veneration of the Cross offered a profound moment of reflection on Christ’s total self-giving, reminding participants that His thirst is quenched by our loving response.

This meaningful encounter was made possible through the collaboration of Verbum Dei lay missionary disciples, servant leaders, youth, and teens, whose active participation in the welcoming, registration, animation, liturgy, logistics, technical, music & ukelele ministry, giving talks, catechesis and testimonies of life.
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Indeed, Christ’s love was truly alive and deeply experienced throughout the Easter Encounter, inspiring each participant to love and give of themselves just as they had received from Him.

​My recent baptism in the Catholic Church at San Agustin Parish marks a significant step in my journey of faith, one shaped deeply even within my short three years of serving in the Verbum Dei community.

Before this, I had actually been baptized twice, once as a baby and again when I entered high school as a Christian. Back then, I would go to church every Sunday, but only as a regular attendee, not really someone who served. Everything started to change when I became part of Verbum Dei. There, I experienced a kind of faith that felt alive. It wasn’t just about praying, it was about action, community, and really trying to live out God’s Word. That’s where I started to realize that faith isn’t just about knowing God, it’s about having a real relationship with Him, one that involves commitment, change, service, and trust.

Serving in Verbum Dei opened my eyes to how faith can really impact people. Through activities like Easter Encounter, Missionary Journey, reflections, and even simple gatherings, I saw how God works in quiet but powerful ways through the youth who are willing to listen. But even while I was serving, I felt like something was still missing. I felt a deeper call to fully enter into the Catholic Church. It became more obvious when some youth I shepherd started asking me questions about the faith, and I realized I couldn’t answer some of them because I didn’t fully understand it myself.

My baptism journey wouldn’t have been possible without the people who helped me along the way. I’m really grateful to Sister Juvy, Sister Amy, Tito Jun, and Tita Chat. They were the ones who first encouraged me to take this step and made everything happen so I could be baptized during the Easter Vigil. Tito Jun and Tita Chat, who became my Ninong and Ninang. Sis Enda from the Parish prepared me through catechism and guided me on the actual process.

On the day of my baptism, I found myself thinking a lot about my past, my choices, and my understanding of God. I realized that baptism isn’t just symbolic, it’s something that really changes you. It’s like starting a new life in Christ, but this time with deeper understanding and commitment. The Mass that night was actually the longest one I’ve ever attended, but I didn’t feel tired. Instead, everything felt meaningful and sacred. From the candles, the songs, the readings, and the homily, up to the moment of baptism, I truly felt God’s presence.

What made it even more special was that it happened during the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, and I was surrounded by the whole Verbum Dei community. Everyone really made an effort to make the day special, even preparing a feast despite how busy we all were in facilitating activities for our Pasig Community. I’m especially thankful to my girlfriend, Mela, for bringing me into Verbum Dei since 2023 and helping me become part of this community.

Most of all, I thank God for everything that has happened in my life. This baptism feels like going one step deeper into His purpose for me. I know this is not the end of my journey, it’s just the beginning of something more.
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Gabriel Lim

A Christmas Gathering of the Verbum Dei -  Luzon Family
December 7, 2025  Ateneo de Manila University
Juan C. Tan Conference Room, Walter Hogan Social Development Center, QC.

​The Verbum Dei - Luzon Family came together once again for a joyful and hope-filled Christmas celebration with the theme, “Magalak! Nasa Atin ang Diyos – Kapit-bisig sa Pag-asa.”
Members from the communities of Pansol–QC, Tagaytay, Manila/Pasig, and VD Family Opus SOW gathered as one family, each group wearing their color-coded attire—Red for Pansol, White for Tagaytay, Green for Manila/Pasig, and Blue for the Opus SOW.
 
A Celebration Rooted in Faith and Unity
 
The day began with a 9:00 AM Holy Mass concelebrated by our Verbum Dei missionary priests—Fr. Jojo David, Fr. Iwao Ikegami, and Fr. Bong Guinoo. Their inspiring message helped set the tone for a meaningful celebration centered on Christ, whose coming continues to bring light, hope, and unity to our communities.
 
More than a gathering, the event was a beautiful expression of fellowship, shared faith, and the deep bonds that unite the Verbum Dei family. It was a day to celebrate God’s presence, share goodwill and talents, and welcome both long-time and new members with warmth and joy.
 
Program Highlights
 
The lively duo of Gabs Lanada (Pansol) and Sr. Priscilla Su (Tagaytay) emceed the event with energy and charm. The participants were warmly welcomed with smiles by the Pasig Youth community, immediately creating an atmosphere of joy and family spirit.
 
Each community prepared a presentation that showcased creativity and a heartfelt Christmas spirit:
 
Pansol – Rendered a  joyful song-and-dance number of “Emmanuel.”
 
Tagaytay – Presented a touching Christmas story narrative with a PPT presentation entitled “2025 in Review.”
 
Manila/Pasig – ⅝Performed three lively performances: “Celebration,”  “Kumukutikutitap,” and "Mamang Sorbetero."
 
There were also volunteer singers from different communities who offered spontaneous and heartfelt songs, adding warmth and vibrancy to the whole celebration. Then a shared festive lunch further strengthened fellowship and conversations among participants.
 
A Christmas in Solidarity
 
In the spirit of compassion, and recognizing the many communities affected by severe typhoons, flooding, and earthquakes this year, the Verbum Dei Luzon Family chose a simpler celebration — foregoing exchange gifts, games, and other usual festivities — to stand in solidarity with those suffering. This conscious decision reminded everyone of the true heart of Christmas: love, empathy, and sharing.
 
Closing in Prayer and Hope
 
The gathering drew to a meaningful close with an inspiring message from Sr. Grace Gonzales, VD Family–Luzon Head, who encouraged all members to continue living out their vocation or mandate with joy, generosity, and renewed commitment in service to God and the Church.
 
This was followed by a heartfelt closing prayer led by Sr. Lorna Mendoza (Tagaytay), gently inviting everyone to carry with them the light of unity, gratitude, and hope as they move forward into the coming year.
 
This year’s Christmas get-together was more than a festive event — it was a testament to the vibrant spirit, generous hearts, and enduring faith of the Verbum Dei -  Luzon Family.
Everyone went home renewed, inspired, and strengthened to continue walking kapit-bisig sa pag-asa in 2026 and beyond.
Amen.