Inspired by Julian of Norwich, the Laudato Si’ Retreat from January 9-12, 2024, conducted by Pinky Valdes Ph.D and Jojo M. Fung SJ of Sacred Springs, was held in the newly renovated Loyola Retreat House, Angono, based on the theme The Spiritual Path of Oneing. The sessions began with deepening the sense of oneing in oneself, then oneing with others that is nondualistic, leading to oneing with nature, earth, creation. In the past, Sacred Springs has conducted this retreat twice in Novaliches for the personnel from the Campus Ministry of Ateneo de Davao and Ateneo de Manila in 2022 and 2023.

“It was a new experience to me, the 5-day Laudato Si’ retreat was my first and longest I have attended. An eye opener or better way to say it, “soul-opener” because of the activities that was initiated by the retreat guides. I had experienced many things from my new year Eco-Spirituality Retreat. First, I was able to strengthened my relationship with God and discovered how wonderful His love is. Then I grasped the gorgeousness of God’s creation and its healing power I felt during the meditation prayer and spiritual conversations.  And lastly, the whole retreat made me feel energized and rejuvenated. I will never forget and I will forever cherish the experience. “RUAH” is my energy, power and God’s love.” ~ April Macwile

“The Laudato Si’ retreat changed how I see the world and my relationship with God. It made me care more about the environment and understand that everything is connected. Before, I see nature as something separate from my faith journey. However, through this retreat, I have come to more realize that God’s love is the very reason we exist. This realization has made me feel we all are incredibly special and loved by God.

“During the retreat, I realized that I needed to get rid of negative thoughts and unresolved problems in order to grow spiritually. By doing this, I made space for God’s grace to work in me. I started seeing the beauty of creation as a reflection of God’s presence, which made me feel more connected to everything around me.

“The Six Sacred Steps was a powerful experience, provided a transformative experience. Through healing, forgiveness, surrendering to God, self-acceptance, gratitude, and embracing new beginnings, I allowed God to work within me and bring about profound change.  Going through each step helped me understand myself better and improved my relationship with others and nature and God.

“Because of this experience, I now see myself as someone who takes care of the Earth. I come to understand that it’s my responsibility to protect and preserve our Home. I appreciate everything around me more and promise to live in harmony with it.

“Moving forward, I’m committed to making meaningful changes in how I think and act. I’ll keep learning and finding ways to contribute to a world of peace, environmental sustainability, and a sense of connection to everything. This retreat changed me a lot, and I’m excited to start this new journey of caring for the Earth with God’s love and help.” ~Chaw Su Su Aung RGS

“This retreat seemed to inspire me  to pray for  a “special  one-ing”  with the souls of my parents and brother.  I continue to hope for our reunion filled with love, peace and joy in the Heavenly Kingdom in God’s appointed time. The night group reflection allowed us to do an individual examen and share its fruits to the group. Probing questions and suggestions were challenging or inspiring us to improve on our own processes and deepen our insight. The daily Masses  were among my favorite activities or rituals during the Laudato Si’ retreat. It was good that there were different venues for the Masses.” ~Patria Gwen M.L. Borcena, M.A.

“The breathing exercise makes me more conscious of my being and the rest of creation. The imagination helps me connect and be present to realities around me and the universe, including feeling with them. It also brought my attention to things/person that I reject and invites me to reconciliation For the centering prayer, it calms down my tension, clears my mind and made me relaxed. Able to make practical steps / daily activities to sustain my retreat experience of Oneing and live a life flowing/lightly being led by the Spirit. As I endeavor to mature in my spiritual life, I feel the Spirit is leading me. I only need to create personal space, time and commitment and the Spirit will do the rest.”~Sr. Marilyn, SSpS

For those interested in the Laudato Si’ Retreat next year, it will be held from January 8-12, 2025, at the Novaliches Retreat Center. Kindly contact Fr. Jomari Manzano SJ (Mobile 09760545812) & Jojo M. Fung SJ (Email: jojodear@gmail.com or mobile: 09173165388).