Fr. James Ferry, MM, the vicar for religious in the Archdiocese of Manila,  facilitated the annual retreat of the religious of the Philippine Province  at the St. Scholastica’s Spirituality Center in Tagaytay City from March 31 to April 4, 2008.

The retreat for religious this year brought a renewal experience in prayer and solitude among the participants.  In the sessions, Fr. Jim Ferry developed the theme on the baptismal consecration and one’s gospel identity.  He pointed out some challenging insights on the Camillian prophetic role in the world of health which gave the religious another perspective in living out the recent general chapter’s mandate regarding solidarity and justice in the health care world.

One of the highlights of the retreat was the spontaneous gatherings at evening time in the function hall.  The gatherings gave the religious time to catch up with one another’s stories and experiences about their ministry and in their respective communities.  Thus, the gathering helped the religious to understand their life and to sustain their friendship with each other.

The daily holy hour in the morning and the celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist accentuated the retreat.  For the retreat participants, every celebration of prayer became a movement of Jesus’ glorious hour and a moment to move further in their ministry of service for the sick.  Indeed the annual retreat brought a fresh outlook in their life as vowed persons. 

Thanks to Jesus through Father Jim!