Rejoice as One: Verbum Dei Missionaries Unite for Year-End Formation and Bonding

Dolly Celeste Tan, FMVD

Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity

​In the waning days of 2024, the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity convened for an extraordinary three-day retreat that transcended mere reflection. This transformative gathering seamlessly interwove ecclesiality, spiritual enlightenment, communal strengthening, and visionary planning.

The retreat, held from December 27 to 29 at the serene Verbum Dei Retreat House in Tagaytay City, Philippines became a nexus of diverse experiences and shared purpose. Missionaries from across the Philippines—Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Luzon—joined hands with their counterparts from as far as Australia and Vietnam, embodying the truly international spirit of the Verbum Dei Fraternity.

Spiritual Conversations - Time of Silence

This convergence of minds and hearts set the stage for a profound journey of collective growth, spiritual rejuvenation, and strategic foresight. As the missionaries gathered, it embarked on a path that would not only conclude the year but also ignite the passion for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in the mission to spread the Word of God.

Under the theme "Rejoice as One", the event commenced with a day dedicated to strengthening bonds among the missionaries. Participants engaged in team-building exercises designed to break down barriers and forge deeper connections. These activities set a foundation of camaraderie that would underpin the more intensive formation/conversation sessions to follow.

Spiritual Conversations

Beginning the Day with the Eucharist

Each day began with the Eucharist, grounding the participants with shared faith and purpose. As twilight fell on the first day, the community united in prayer with Mother Mary, offering the holy rosary for the world's continents – a poignant reminder of its global mission and interconnectedness.

The subsequent days were immersed in formation/conversation, reflecting on key themes that emerged from the Verbum Dei Congress held earlier in the year. Discussions centered on critical topics such as Synodality, the Missionary Married Couples Branch, Prayer life, Community life, and Mission. The dialogue was through a profound Spiritual Conversation in humility, openness, understanding, and proactive collaboration.

Plenary sessions

Plenary sessions

The Spiritual Conversation used for group discussions and dialogue fostered an environment of deep listening and meaningful sharing. One participant highlighted the enriching experience: "The Spiritual Conversation allowed us to truly hear and appreciate each other's perspectives in a profound way. It opened our eyes to the diverse experiences within our community and strengthened our sense of unity."

As the formation/conversation days concluded, excitement built around the upcoming National Family Encounter planned for October 2025. This event holds special significance as it will mark a major gathering of the Verbum Dei Missionary Family. It will pave the way for the whole Verbum Dei Family to walk and work together in living out the charism in building a hope-filled community, faithful in building the Kingdom of God.

Spiritual Conversations

Rosary

As the final moments of the retreat unfolded, a palpable sense of renewal swept through the gathered missionaries. The Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity stood on the threshold of a new year, with spirits rekindled and resolve strengthened. The three-day journey had woven together threads of community, spirituality, and vision, creating a tapestry of shared purpose that would color the mission work in the months to come.

The missionaries departed Tagaytay with hearts full of hope and minds brimming with inspiration. The bonds forged and deepened during the time being together had created a network of support that spanned continents, a living testament to the global reach of the calling. As the missionaries prepared to return to its respective communities, each carried not just memories, but a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer vision of its role in bringing the Gospel to all corners of the world.

Team Building games

Looking ahead to 2025, the Verbum Dei Family stood poised for action. The retreat had served as both a culmination of the year's efforts and a springboard for future endeavors.
​
In essence, the year-end gathering had not merely concluded; it had ignited a flame of passion and purpose that would illuminate the path forward. As bearers of the Verbum Dei—the Word of God—the Verbum Dei Missionaries stepped into 2025 with renewed vigor, rekindled call and the tenacity in spreading the light of the Gospel in an ever-changing world. The journey, both individual and collective, stood as a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and shared mission in shaping a brighter future for all.

---

Edited by: Lucio Pulmones, FMVD-NATCOMM​