News In Luzon: Transmission of the 2nd International Family Symposium (Feb. 19, 2017)

Pasig City - The Verbum Dei family in Luzon spent a whole day last Feb. 19 for the transmission of the 2nd International Family Symposium. The venue was at the new apostolate center in 53 Elpidio Santos, Pasig. ​

The day started with a celebration of the mass by Fr. James McTavish, FMVD together with Fr. Victoriano Caritos, FMVD. The homily by Fr. James focused on the gospel of Matthew 5:38-48. He challenged the participants to reflect on the question on what is the quality of love that we bring to the world as Verbum Dei. Afterwards, there was a short time of prayer deepening on the passage.

Next, the transmission started with an introduction of the flow of the day. Each of the participants of the symposium were the ones sent to Medellin Colombia last Jan. 2-12 as part of the delegates from Philippines. They are: 

• Angelo (Gelo) Balsita, a lay missionary disciple from Luzon who is part of the singles' reality.
• Jess and Maurita (Mau) Baja, a missionary couple currently assigned in Cagayan de Oro.
• Ronan and Maria Lordelynn (Lordie) Capuras, lay missionary disciples from Cebu who are part of the couples' reality.  

They shared the different topics on the different commissions discussed during the symposium, namely: Identity, Mission, Spirituality, Itineraries of Formation, Ways of Belonging, Coordination and Administration. 

It was both a time to listen, a time to dance (break time!) and a time to also interact on the different topics discussed as there was an open forum where the members of the family shared their opinions, suggestions and questions related to the different commissions. 

Finally, there was also a moment where the members of the Apostolic Council and members of the different committees in Luzon met and shared on how we can start to prepare the family in receiving the message that was transmitted earlier. 

It was an enriching experience and everyone is excited to continue the journey, living out our charism and mission together as one Verbum Dei family.

See some of the photos of the event: