"I Make My Home in You" (cf Jn 1:14)
by: Mila Abigan, VD-Disciple

The Verbum Dei-Tagaytay Advent Retreat, held from November 30 to December 1, 2024, offered participants a profound spiritual experience centered around the theme "I Make My Home in You" (John 1:14). This two-day event brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds for a time of prayer, reflection, and community building.

The retreat commenced with an engaging icebreaker led by Sr. Connie, encouraging attendees to contemplate their personal journeys through four thought-provoking questions. This activity set the stage for deeper introspection and connection among participants.

The introductory talk explored the central theme of God's desire to dwell with His people, inviting participants to recognize His presence in their daily lives and deepen their relationship with Him during Advent and beyond. Bro. Ed's session, focusing on the Annunciation, guided attendees in encountering God through reflective prayer and Scripture study, fostering a sense of intimacy with the Divine.

Sis. Alice's talk, "I Make My Home in You," inspired participants to prepare their hearts as a dwelling place for God. Through Scripture-based reflections, quiet moments, and prayer walks, attendees deepened their connection with the Trinity. Sr. Rita's session explored the concept of eternal life as an invitation to deeper communion with God, while Sis. Cecile emphasized God's transformative mercy and His power to reshape and restore lives.

The retreat included a Penitential Rite, featuring an examination of conscience and individual confessions, offering participants the healing grace of forgiveness. A communal dinner brought the group together in joy, fostering unity and gratitude, and included a birthday celebration for Sis. Mila.

In the final session, Sr. Priscilla highlighted Christ's call to love one another, encouraging participants to embody God's love in their homes and communities. The retreat concluded with Sis. Mila leading a reflection on the Incarnation, urging attendees to embrace God's indwelling presence.

An Advent Tree activity allowed participants to symbolically surrender their struggles and attachments while offering virtues and values to Jesus. As the retreat came to a close, attendees left with renewed hope and a deeper understanding of the Incarnation's message: God's constant presence in their lives.
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One participant summed up the experience, saying, "This retreat reminded me that God doesn't just visit our lives—He desires to make His home in us". The Verbum Dei-Tagaytay Advent Retreat provided a transformative experience, leaving participants with a renewed sense of God's presence and love as they entered the Advent season.

On December 15, 2024, the Verbum Dei-Luzon communities gathered at Verbum Dei-Tagaytay for a festive Christmas celebration that lasted from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The day began with a Holy Mass concelebrated by Verbum Dei missionary priests Frs. Filipe, Iwao, and Jojo, setting a spiritual tone for the event.

The celebration aimed to unite members from various communities, share blessings and talents, and strengthen bonds between old and new members of the Verbum Dei-Luzon family. The lively duo of Doc. Resti Bautista and Sis. Marabel Viernes from the Pasig community served as emcees, guiding attendees through the day's activities.

The Tagaytay community extended a warm welcome to all participants, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and joy. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch, engaging program presentations, and entertaining games led by Bro. Gabby Lanada, whose "ala-Showtime" facilitation style kept the energy high.

Each community contributed to the festivities with unique performances. The Quezon City community captivated the audience with a heartfelt song, while Manila/Pasig energized the crowd with a dynamic dance number. Tagaytay presented an inspiring skit that reflected on the true meaning of family, drawing inspiration from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Spread between performances, games kept the atmosphere light and engaging, ensuring all attendees felt involved in the celebration. A highlight of the gathering was the exchange gift activity, where participants shared thoughtful surprises valued at one hundred pesos or more, embodying the spirit of giving and bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

The Manila/Pasig community concluded the event with heartfelt closing remarks, reminding everyone of the day's deeper significance: unity, love, sharing, and gratitude. This Christmas get-together served not only as a celebration but also as a testament to the vibrant spirit and shared faith of the Verbum Dei-Luzon family.
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As the day ended, participants left feeling inspired and looking forward to more moments of togetherness in the coming year. The event successfully brought together the various Verbum Dei-Luzon communities, fostering a sense of family and shared purpose that extended beyond the celebration itself.

​Despite challenging weather conditions, Verbum Dei Tagaytay's annual Gift-Giving Activity proceeded as planned, bringing together neighbors from the surrounding community for a day of spiritual nourishment, fun, and generosity. The event, held shortly before Christmas, showcased the power of faith and volunteerism in overcoming obstacles.

The day began with early morning preparations for Confession, followed by a Holy Mass at 8:00 am. After the service, attendees gathered in the Simbahan for the main program. Adults with young children participated in a meaningful prayer dynamics session led by Sr. Connie in the retreat house dining area, while the children remained in the Simbahan for engaging activities.

At 10:00 am, families shared a moment of fellowship over snacks, carefully distributed by servers to seated attendees. The atmosphere then shifted to one of excitement as Sr. Pearl and the VD Youth team led lively games, filling the air with laughter and joy.

The pinnacle of the event came at 11:30 am with the much-anticipated gift-giving activity. Families queued patiently as children received colorful loot bags and adults gratefully accepted grocery bundles. Sr. Rita managed the ticket distribution process, while George and Elisa ensured a smooth flow of recipients, maintaining an atmosphere of joy and gratitude throughout.

The success of this heartwarming event was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the entire Verbum Dei community. The Snacks Team, consisting of Marlyn, Nora, Melisa, and Elisa, ensured everyone was well-fed. The Games Team, led by Sr. Pearl and the youth, kept spirits high with entertaining activities. The Gift-Giving Team, including Sr. Rita, Cecile, and Alice, coordinated the distribution of presents. Sr. Connie and her team led the adult dynamics session, contributing to a meaningful experience for all participants.
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In the face of inclement weather, the Verbum Dei Tagaytay community demonstrated the true spirit of Christmas through their unwavering commitment to serving others. This annual Gift-Giving Activity not only provided material support but also strengthened the bonds of faith and fellowship within the community, leaving lasting memories of joy and generosity for all involved.