News
Read the news from events, activities and other updates on the different communities here in the Philippines
 By Resti Ma. M. Bautista On February 20, 2026, the Lenten Reflection series at the School of the Word at Opus was launched with Fr. Filipe Vaz Pardal, FMVD as special guest preacher. His exegesis focused on the encounter of the Rich Man with Jesus in Mark 10:17-22. Fr. Filipe pointed out the heart of this Gospel reading (cf. Mark 10:21): “Jesus looked at him, loved him and spoke to him.” He emphasized that our faith is much more than a list of dos and don’ts. Fr. Filipe also shared, “External righteousness does not satisfy the heart. Our hearts long for something more than to fulfill the law.” A heart-felt testimony was also given by Mel Vergel de Dios, one of the core group members of the SOW at Opus. Mel recounted his journey in and out of the corporate world and later on as an entrepreneur. He highlighted the values guiding his decision-making for himself, his wife Lia and family, as they strive to respond to God’s call to “go sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” We fervently pray for their family, that He who began a good work in them may bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus (cf. Philippians 1:6). In the Gospels, the rich man goes away sad because he prefers the gift to the Giver. As we continue our Lenten journey, may we understand more deeply that we are seen and loved by God. We continue to reflect, “What occupies my heart more than Jesus?” We ask for a daily encounter with God’s merciful love and compassion as He draws us to His heart with His Word. Reflections for the Lenten season at the School of the Word - Opus continue every Friday (except Good Friday), 7:30PM to 9:00PM at the Chapel of the Archangels, 6F Opus, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City. Come and see!
By Sr. Jen Nicolas, FMVD  On February 8, 2026, the youth of Verbum Dei Pasig, together with missionaries and lay missionary disciples, held a Valentine’s fundraising dinner at the VD Catholic Center of Formation in Pasig City. This event marked the beginning of our efforts to prepare for World Youth Day 2027, which will be held in Seoul, Korea. The VD youth are now working toward this dream of participating in such a global gathering of faith, the second time that World Youth Day will be held in Asia.
The theme, “Timeless,” was inspired by the truth that authentic love transcends time. In our relationships, when we are rooted in Love—God Himself—what we build carries an enduring and eternal dimension. The event began with the celebration of the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Michael Cheong, FMVD. The youth actively participated as members of the choir, commentator, lectors and altar servers. An intimate dinner followed after mass, with a sumptuous meal prepared by Chef Franck, a young and aspiring chef. The meal was accompanied by a concert program that enriched the evening’s atmosphere. Our special guest, Vanya Castor, singer, composer, and musician, shared her gift of music, accompanied by Lorenzo Torres, a talented professional pianist who filled the night with beautiful melodies. Adding to the warmth of joy of the evening, Kristel M. Lachica, Fr. Michael, and Sr. Angela Gomez, FMVD, also offered musical performances. One of the key highlights of the event was the active involvement of the youth who collaborated in the planning and decoration, and served as the emcees of the program. Jhoanna Kapangyarihan, one of the aspiring WYD participants, shared her testimony about her journey in Verbum Dei and her desire to attend World Youth Day 2027. Sr. Dolly Tan, FMVD, also shared her experience of WYD 2016 in Kraków, Poland. She spoke about how the encounter strengthened her faith and eventually helped her discover her vocation. She emphasized how transformative this rare opportunity can be: to experience the universality of the Catholic Church, to deepen one’s faith, to broaden one’s horizons as a young person, and to dare to dream big with God. The evening concluded with a heartfelt performance by the youth as a gesture of gratitude to all who supported the event. They sang “Standing on Eternal Love” written by Sr. Maeve Louise Heaney, FMVD. As a community, we are deeply grateful to all who generously supported this fundraising event. It marks the beginning of our journey of preparation and fundraising toward World Youth Day 2027, carrying with it the hope that more young people may encounter Christ, deepen their faith, and experience the beauty of belonging to the universal Church.
1/31/2026
A Day of Reflection and Remembrance By Resti Ma. M. Bautista On January 17, 2026 the Core Group of the School of the Word at Opus gathered for a day of communal prayer, faith-sharing and planning for the coming year. Our prayer centered on the call of the first disciples, as Jesus calls us to “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) Reflecting on the many graces received and the seemingly impossible hurdles ahead, we are assured that God continues to call ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things today. God does not call the equipped, He equips those who are called. The day was also marked by the 63rd Founding Anniversary of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity. We remain one in Spirit with the Verbum Dei family around the world, as we remember with deep gratitude our founder Fr. Jaime Bonet and all those who carried on the baton. We too, carry on united in mission, deeply thankful for God’s assurance and presence for 2026! The School of the Word at Opus is in its 3rd month of gathering individuals and families who seek to encounter God through praying with the Bible. They meet every Friday, 7:30-9PM at the Chapel of the Archangels, 6F Opus, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City.
 By Resti Ma. M. Bautista The Married Couple Missionaries in temporal bonds resumed their formation last January 8, 2026 under their formators Marisol Diaz and Antonio Miralles, who are based in Madrid, Spain. In the Philippines, there are currently 7 couples in temporal bonds, with the majority living on the island of Cebu and one couple based in Metro Manila. Their monthly formation held via Zoom also includes one Filipino couple in temporal bonds who hail from Sydney, Australia. Marisol and Antonio are ably assisted in the on-going formation by local missionary couple Cookie and Bimbo Abrio. The formation centered on the Verbum Dei charism, which is the Word of God, soul of our life and mission. Antonio emphasized, “Our charism as 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘶𝘮 𝘋𝘦𝘪 is simply 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 in us — especially in our vocation, in our marriage and family life — as a gift to the world.” The couples were encouraged to receive the Word of God, incarnated in our identity as children of the Father, God of the Universe, chosen and beloved, receiving the free and undeserved gift of the Life-Love of Jesus Christ. One couple shared their reflection: “We are filled with much gratitude and hope that through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God is made visible and tangible in our ordinary everyday life as husband and wife, father and mother, healer and teacher, and workers in the Kingdom of God. And what we receive as a precious gift is given onward, as a gift to the world: the Word of God, an ancient song our souls sing and breathe and live, never changing, always new. ‘𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵’ — 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦. (cf. Romans 10:8)” And so as we begin the new year, we follow in the footsteps of Mary our Mother, who teaches us to always listen to the Word. May we continue to learn to listen closely and ponder deeply on the Word, to take care, protect and guard the Word in our hearts, minds and bodies. In the Philippines, there have been 4 batches of consecrated missionary married couples, with the pioneering 3 couples with permanent bonds presently in mission in Cagayan de Oro City and the province of Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao. Resti and Cecilia Bautista are the first missionary couple in Luzon.
1/8/2026
Christmas Party 2025 - Luzon
“MAGALAK! NASA ATIN ANG DIYOS" |
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On the 14th of December 2025, an Advent Recollection organized by Sr. Cecilia Teo of the Verbum Dei missionaries, was held at St. Columban Catholic Church in Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan, with the support of parish priest Rev. Stephen Huang. The recollection theme, My Soul Waits in Hope, was based on Psalm 130:5 - I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Sr. Cecilia was assisted by Resti and Cecilia Bautista from the Philippines as speakers and facilitators. Participants were English-speaking parishioners, mostly Filipino migrants and some local Taiwanese.
The first talk, given by Resti Bautista, centered on the process of waiting. In this Advent season, we are enjoined to wait actively: to wait with expectation and anticipation, to make space for God, and to wait with much hope. We wait for a different kind of king, a Shepherd-King - God who comes near. And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them; he shall feed them and be their shepherd. (Ezekiel 34:23)
The second speaker was Sr. Cecilia Teo, who focused on God who stoops down for us and makes Himself small and vulnerable for our sake. She invited everyone to reflect upon the spirituality of becoming least, small and weak. Though Jesus was in the form of God... he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7) Jesus became poor in order to enrich you and me. Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Lastly, Cecilia Bautista exhorted the participants to respond to the call to be hope for others. We can be the light of the world! As St. Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." And in our following, we have the model of St. Joseph’s obedience, faith and urgency in mission. We too can receive God’s trust, as he trusted St. Joseph to care for the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus.
One participant, Ramon Du who hails from Nueva Ecija, has been living in Taipei for more than 20 years with his family. He shared his waiting and longing for a better Philippines to go home to. His personal message from God in the retreat: “Do not be afraid!” which gives him much hope for the coming Christmas and beyond.
In our waiting this Advent, may we make space for the Word to be reborn in our hearts, our minds and our lives. And may we all find true and lasting hope in Emmanuel - God who is with us - this Christmas. Come Lord Jesus!
The first talk, given by Resti Bautista, centered on the process of waiting. In this Advent season, we are enjoined to wait actively: to wait with expectation and anticipation, to make space for God, and to wait with much hope. We wait for a different kind of king, a Shepherd-King - God who comes near. And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them; he shall feed them and be their shepherd. (Ezekiel 34:23)
The second speaker was Sr. Cecilia Teo, who focused on God who stoops down for us and makes Himself small and vulnerable for our sake. She invited everyone to reflect upon the spirituality of becoming least, small and weak. Though Jesus was in the form of God... he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7) Jesus became poor in order to enrich you and me. Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Lastly, Cecilia Bautista exhorted the participants to respond to the call to be hope for others. We can be the light of the world! As St. Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." And in our following, we have the model of St. Joseph’s obedience, faith and urgency in mission. We too can receive God’s trust, as he trusted St. Joseph to care for the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus.
One participant, Ramon Du who hails from Nueva Ecija, has been living in Taipei for more than 20 years with his family. He shared his waiting and longing for a better Philippines to go home to. His personal message from God in the retreat: “Do not be afraid!” which gives him much hope for the coming Christmas and beyond.
In our waiting this Advent, may we make space for the Word to be reborn in our hearts, our minds and our lives. And may we all find true and lasting hope in Emmanuel - God who is with us - this Christmas. Come Lord Jesus!
Resti and Cecilia Bautista are consecrated married couple missionaries of the Verbum Dei Fraternity. Together with their son, Santino, they very much enjoyed their first family mission trip. It was a great blessing to touch base with the Verbum Dei misioneras and the Verbum Dei Family in Taiwan.
12/19/2025
School of the Word Opus
By Resti Bautista
September 2025 saw the birth of a new School of the Word, spearheaded by Verbum Dei married missionary couple Cecilia and Resti Bautista. They began having weekly meetings for prayer and faith-sharing with two other married couples: Lia and Mel Vergel de Dios, who are new to Verbum Dei; and Christina Cheong and Gerard Ng, who were members of the Verbum Dei Family Singapore and currently based in the Philippines.
On November 7, their new School of the Word was formally launched at the Chapel of the Archangels, at the 6th floor of Opus, Bridgetowne Estates, which straddles the boundary of Quezon City and Pasig City. Instrumental in the establishment of the SOW Opus were Fr. Filipe Vaz Pardal, Verbum Dei Zone Responsible and Adviser of the group, with Judy Tan from the CTK SOW, serving as liaison with Christ the King Parish and the Opus administration.
The SOW Opus was envisioned to enable “Families Praying Together.” And after six weeks, the group has reached around 30 regular participants from different walks of life and different realities, including married couples, singles and teens. We pray for continued perseverance and spiritual growth, as we strive to deepen our following of the Word and grow as a community.
Truly the Word of God is alive! May we continue to listen closely to the Word and dialogue deeply with God, that the Word may take root in our hearts and bear much fruit in our lives. We place our trust in God’s Word: As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)
On November 7, their new School of the Word was formally launched at the Chapel of the Archangels, at the 6th floor of Opus, Bridgetowne Estates, which straddles the boundary of Quezon City and Pasig City. Instrumental in the establishment of the SOW Opus were Fr. Filipe Vaz Pardal, Verbum Dei Zone Responsible and Adviser of the group, with Judy Tan from the CTK SOW, serving as liaison with Christ the King Parish and the Opus administration.
The SOW Opus was envisioned to enable “Families Praying Together.” And after six weeks, the group has reached around 30 regular participants from different walks of life and different realities, including married couples, singles and teens. We pray for continued perseverance and spiritual growth, as we strive to deepen our following of the Word and grow as a community.
Truly the Word of God is alive! May we continue to listen closely to the Word and dialogue deeply with God, that the Word may take root in our hearts and bear much fruit in our lives. We place our trust in God’s Word: As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)
Cecilia and Resti Bautista had their first bonds as consecrated married couple missionaries of the Verbum Dei Fraternity on June 7, 2025. They have one son, Santino, who handles group sharing of the teens at SOW Opus. All are welcome at SOW Opus, every Friday at 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Come and see!
9/11/2025
Face to Face with God
"Awakening the Missionary Spirit: Face to Face with God"
Youth Silent Retreat
August 24–25, 2025
Youth Silent Retreat
August 24–25, 2025
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:
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
— 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
— 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.
— 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.
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.
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Resti and Cecilia Bautista, with their son Santino, live in Antipolo City, Rizal. They will continue to be involved in various apostolates of the Verbum Dei Missionary Family across Metro Manila.
by Resti Ma. Bautista, MD
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.
"My Hope is in You!" — A Theme Lived and Shared
Inspired by Psalm 39:7, this year’s theme, “My Hope is in You!”, resonated deeply throughout the retreat. Participants were invited to encounter God with both courage and vulnerability—and in doing so, they discovered and reflected the light of His hope to one another.
Holy Thursday opened the encounter with a spirit of contemplation and searching. Participants were invited to reflect on the deeper questions of life and faith, entering into the Last Supper with a heart ready to receive and respond.
Good Friday was marked by an intimate experience of God's faithful love. Through moments of silence, prayer, and reflection on the cross, retreatants encountered the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the enduring presence of love even in suffering.
Holy Saturday offered a sacred pause for quiet transformation, inviting participants to embrace stillness and let God work in silence. Afternoon reflections and talks deepened this experience, leading into the Easter Vigil—a powerful celebration of light and Resurrection—followed by a joyful Fiesta of music, dancing, and community.
Easter Sunday culminated the encounter with joyful celebration and proclamation. The risen Christ was encountered in community, worship, and mission, igniting hope in each heart and inspiring a renewed commitment to discipleship.
Holy Thursday opened the encounter with a spirit of contemplation and searching. Participants were invited to reflect on the deeper questions of life and faith, entering into the Last Supper with a heart ready to receive and respond.
Good Friday was marked by an intimate experience of God's faithful love. Through moments of silence, prayer, and reflection on the cross, retreatants encountered the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the enduring presence of love even in suffering.
Holy Saturday offered a sacred pause for quiet transformation, inviting participants to embrace stillness and let God work in silence. Afternoon reflections and talks deepened this experience, leading into the Easter Vigil—a powerful celebration of light and Resurrection—followed by a joyful Fiesta of music, dancing, and community.
Easter Sunday culminated the encounter with joyful celebration and proclamation. The risen Christ was encountered in community, worship, and mission, igniting hope in each heart and inspiring a renewed commitment to discipleship.
The retreat was not just a series of activities—it was a living encounter that stirred hearts, kindled faith, and planted seeds of lasting hope. Through shared prayer, meaningful conversations, and moments of grace, participants witnessed Christ in one another and were reminded of their call to be hope in the world.
Sophia Azize, a participant from faraway Sydney, Australia reflected on her first Verbum Dei Easter Encounter. “The joyful, encouraging and faithful community of people that I shared this experience with was one of the highlights. The diverse talks, engaging activities, group sharing and beautiful liturgies allowed me to truly feel the presence of God. It was comforting to experience firsthand that God remains the same, no matter where in the world I might find myself.”
Sophia Azize, a participant from faraway Sydney, Australia reflected on her first Verbum Dei Easter Encounter. “The joyful, encouraging and faithful community of people that I shared this experience with was one of the highlights. The diverse talks, engaging activities, group sharing and beautiful liturgies allowed me to truly feel the presence of God. It was comforting to experience firsthand that God remains the same, no matter where in the world I might find myself.”
A Hope That Endures
As Pope Benedict XVI once said, true Christian hope is not mere optimism. It springs from a real encounter with Christ. We pray that the hope kindled during the Encounter remains alive in each one—not as a fleeting emotion, but as a deep, enduring strength. Let it guide our steps, inspire our choices, and bear fruit in our everyday life.
During the Easter Sunday Mass, another participant Iñaki Llamas from Quezon City shared: “My takeaways from the encounter are learning to listen, to discern and to take action. I enjoyed the exercise of listening throughout the retreat, listening to God’s Word, to the talks and to each other. I also realized the importance of discerning God’s will, to know what God is telling us and asking us to do. Prayer is key, but we all must carry out God’s direction. Just do it!”
The journey continues! With gratitude and joy, the Verbum Dei Family welcomes all to keep walking in faith, love, and hope.
As Pope Benedict XVI once said, true Christian hope is not mere optimism. It springs from a real encounter with Christ. We pray that the hope kindled during the Encounter remains alive in each one—not as a fleeting emotion, but as a deep, enduring strength. Let it guide our steps, inspire our choices, and bear fruit in our everyday life.
During the Easter Sunday Mass, another participant Iñaki Llamas from Quezon City shared: “My takeaways from the encounter are learning to listen, to discern and to take action. I enjoyed the exercise of listening throughout the retreat, listening to God’s Word, to the talks and to each other. I also realized the importance of discerning God’s will, to know what God is telling us and asking us to do. Prayer is key, but we all must carry out God’s direction. Just do it!”
The journey continues! With gratitude and joy, the Verbum Dei Family welcomes all to keep walking in faith, love, and hope.
Reliving the Encounter
We invite you to revisit the highlights of the Easter Encounter by exploring our virtual bulletin board on Padlet, where you’ll find photos, songs, reflections, and key messages from the retreat:
We invite you to revisit the highlights of the Easter Encounter by exploring our virtual bulletin board on Padlet, where you’ll find photos, songs, reflections, and key messages from the retreat:
Resti and his wife Cecilia, are married couple missionaries in the formation course in the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity. They have been part of Verbum Dei since 2016, and attended their first Easter Encounter in Cagayan de Oro City in 2019 with their son Santino.
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