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.

At the Verbum Dei Center of Formation in Pasig, we—Angela G., Amy H., Dolly T., Priscilla, and Angelyn—welcomed youth from our communities in Tagaytay, Pansol-QC, Pasig, and Pandacan.

The objective was to guide the youth into a prayerful encounter with Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit—face to face—and to awaken within them the missionary vocation. Through this deep prayer experience, we sought to foster perseverance and encourage them to live out the Verbum Dei mission.
​
Here are some of the reflections shared during the silent retreat:

“I entered the retreat with a heavy heart, struggling with my faith and needing clarity. In the silence of Verbum Dei, I finally encountered God face to face—and in that moment, I felt His love rebuild my spirit. The gift of friendship made the experience even more beautiful; I realized I wasn’t alone in this journey.”
​— Ronieth Dayao

“The retreat offered me a unique chance to pause amidst the chaos of daily life. I learned to quiet my mind and create space for peace. The group sharing was powerful; hearing others share their struggles made me realize we’re all fighting our own battles. This connection reminded me that none of us are truly alone.”
​— Tricia Kyle

“During the retreat, I discovered that true peace comes from within. The guided meditation sessions helped me cultivate clarity and self-acceptance. I learned that peace doesn’t have to be external; it’s something we can nurture from within, even amidst life’s noise.”
​— Angel

​​At the end of the retreat, we all felt a renewed sense of hope and purpose. We learned that silence is not just a blank space, but a sacred opportunity to listen to God and connect with one another. Together, we emerged with a deeper understanding of our mission and the love that surrounds us.

​The Eucharistic Celebration of the First Temporal Bonds of Resti Ma. Bautista and Maria Cecilia Bautista was held on June 7, 2025 at the Verbum Dei Catholic Center of Formation in Pasig City.  The theme of this historic event was Romans 5:5: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit.  Historic indeed, as Resti and Cecilia are the first consecrated married missionaries in Luzon.
 
Guests from all the local communities of the Verbum Dei Missionary Family in the Philippines were in attendance, from Metro Manila and Tagaytay City in Luzon, from the islands of Cebu and Bohol in the Visayas, and from Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon province and Davao City in Mindanao.
 
The main celebrant of the Mass was Fr. Michael Cheong, FMVD.  In line with the Solemnity of the Pentecost, Fr. Michael began his homily with a familiar prayer:  Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love… “Today, these words of invocation are fulfilled in a special way in the lives of Resti and Cecilia, and their son Santino.” Fr. Michael enjoined the congregation thus: “Let us witness the fire of the Holy Spirit that has led them to a step further in their love for God to consecrate themselves more fully to Him in this specific charism and mission of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity.” 
 
The Rite of Profession of Bonds began with the calling of the married couple by the Formation Course Responsibles, Bimbo and Ivy Charisse Abrio, presenting the couple to Antonio Miralles and Marisol Diaz, the Delegates of the General Responsible Couple of the Branch. After the profession of their bonds of conjugal chastity, poverty and obedience, Resti and Cecilia received the Crucifix and the Verbum Dei Constitutions, as a sign of their missionary commitment.
 
“We thank God for loving us first, totally, truly, madly, deeply.  We thank Him for calling us both in our youth, in our marriage, and now, in this way - to be consecrated married couple missionaries,” Cecilia enthused. “Even before we met, God was already dreaming of this day for us - for our sake and for His, for our joy and for His. Today our joy is complete!” (cf. John 15:11)
 
After a hearty dinner, the festivities were capped by a short program. A warm welcome was given by Sr. Grace Gonzales, FMVD, who accompanied the couple during their 5-year discernment and formation. Antonio Miralles and Marisol Diaz, who hail from Madrid Spain, expressed the welcome of the Married Couples Branch across the five continents, as well as their personal commitment to the continuing formation of the couple. Santino Noel Bautista shared briefly of his own journey, as witness to the transformation of his parents on the road to becoming married couple missionaries.
 
The night would not be complete without impromptu song and dance performances by the misioneros, the misioneras, the Manila-Pasig disciples with the Pasig servant leaders, and the Pansol disciples. Lively community-dancing led by the matrimonios became the undisputed highlight of the fun-filled evening.
 
Resti expressed the couple’s gratitude to the community saying, “Each of you has lived, spoken and witnessed the Word to us. Through all these many personal encounters, these exchanges, these very human experiences you have shared with us, the Lord was drawing us to Himself, with cords of kindness, with ties of love (cf. Hosea 11:4).  Thank you for each of you is very much part of our call, part of our journey to the Trinity, who now calls us gently to mission.”
 
Let us continue to pray for Resti and Cecilia, for their family and missionary life.  May Mary our Mother and St. Joseph, the first disciples of Jesus, continue to teach them how to care for Him and know Him and love Him, how to live close to Him and follow Him faithfully. Amen.

This past Holy Week, the Verbum Dei family in Luzon gathered at the serene St. James Retreat House in cool Tagaytay City for the Easter Encounter 2025. It was a heartfelt celebration that welcomed individuals from all walks of life—single adults, married couples, and even families with young children aged 7 to 11—into a shared experience of faith, reflection, and renewal.