Fear Not, For I am With You - A Verbum Dei Cebu Easter Encounter 2024 Experience

by Sue Vergara (Edited by Lucio Pulmones)

Washing of the feet during the Last Supper liturgical celebration on Holy Thursday.

The Easter Encounter 2024, held at the Sto. Niño Spirituality Center in Tolotolo, Consolacion, Cebu last March 28 to 31, was a powerful and meaningful experience for the participants. The theme, "Fear Not, for I am with you" from Isaiah 41:10, resonated deeply throughout the three-day event, which was facilitated by missionaries from the three branches. The event brought together 12 consecrated missionaries, one lay consecrated missionary (LCM), 134 adults, and 33 children, all united in their quest for a deeper connection with God.

​The Easter Encounter began on Maundy Thursday with a welcome talk that encouraged participants to reflect on their current lives and the challenges they face. This introspection was meant to remind them of the preciousness of life and the importance of living it fully. The Last Supper celebration that followed reinforced the message of not fearing because of Jesus' promise to be with us until the end of age, as mentioned in Matthew 28:20.

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Via Crucis dynamic on Good Friday.

On Good Friday, Bro. Hai's talk centered on the unconditional love of God the Father, emphasizing that His love is everlasting and cannot be separated by any force. This love was exemplified through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The participants were invited to reflect on the cross they needed to carry and prayed the Via Crucis as a response to Jesus' love.

On Black Saturday, the focus shifted to maintaining a connection with the Lord to continue living in joy, peace, and love. The participants were reminded that when we have God, we lack nothing, as stated by St. Teresa of Avila. This led to an invitation to seek reconciliation and follow God's calling in their lives. The participants were encouraged to be the body, hands, and feet of Jesus on earth.

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Easter Vigil liturgical celebration on Black Saturday.

To further encourage the participants to continue their journey with Jesus, the Via Lucis or the Way of Light was presented, narrating the appearances of the Risen Lord from Easter to Pentecost. This was done through testimonies and dynamics. The Easter Vigil was a powerful moment, where Fr. Michael invited the participants to have HOPE, which stands for Humility in front of the Lord, Openness to Jesus, Punctuality in responding to God's call, and Enthusiasm in their following. The participants were reminded that Jesus will always be waiting for them, regardless of what the future holds.
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The Easter Encounter culminated with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Easter Sunday, marking the end of the three-day event. The participants were encouraged to continue strengthening their faith by joining the School of the Word, Rosary of the Word, disciples’ retreats, and recollections to deepen their connection with God.

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To see more photos of the event, click the Cebu Easter Encounter 2024 Google Photos album.