The Spiritual Conversations at Barangays Lourdes and Sto. Domingo

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by Ma. Teresita Arvisu

        Let’s imagine Pope Francis hearing these:

        “ Sa totoo lang, ang magulang ang dapat ikulong, dahil pinababayaan nila ang mga anak nila lumaki ng hindi tama.”

        “Noong araw merong mga pumupunta sa amin, nagtuturo tungkol sa Diyos. Sayang nawala sila.”

        “Sa isang taon, hindi ako nagsisimba. Nagsisindi lang ng kandila at nagdadasal pag kailangan. Alam kong naririnig ng Diyos ang dasal ko.”

        The spiritual conversations were refreshingly straightforward. Some were touched, others vented frustration. Another conveyed a sense of wandering, being lost. Another expressed a longing to learn about Jesus Christ.

        Six spiritual conversations took place on October 30 and 31, 2021 at Barangays Lourdes and Sto. Domingo. Each one lasted less than two hours. The facilitators gently guided the participants following the steps given by the Diocese of Cubao. The note takers quietly listened and recorded the sharings. At the end of the sessions, gratitude was in the hearts of many, as heard in the prayers they spontaneously made.

        The barangays prepared six participants for every session. In some cases, provided transportation and snacks. Participants were employees and  family members, thus providing a wide age range of 16 to 72 years.

        The NSOLL SYNOD Team prepared kits that contained materials for discussion: The 10 Synodal Themes. Participants were asked to reflect and jot down their thoughts.

        On Nov 1, 2021, the Team evaluated the week-end. Some challenges and solutions were raised: a shortage of facilitators and note takers, operational details, difficulty of getting participants who do not favor face-to-face meetings, and more.

        All continue to fervently pray to the Holy Spirit, “ With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.”

        Interested to join the Spiritual Conversations? It is indeed a “kwentuhan in the Spirit”. Interested parties may contact Br. Glenn Ricafrente and Sis Tess Monserrate through their respective FB messenger accounts.

       Here is another precious comment that we hope reaches Pope Francis, “Sana magtuloy tuloy itong napakandang gawain even after the synod”.

#NSOLLPH