SMAD Gives Another Retreat Experience for the Staff

A Retreat of Self-Discovery and Gratitude

On June 24–25, 2022, several members of the staff of Stella Maris Academy of Davao spent two special days in retreat facilitated by Sr. Leoly Quitorio, F.I. The retreat focused on deepening their knowledge and understanding of themselves and, more importantly, on discovering who they are in the eyes of God.

One of the most significant realizations during the retreat was the importance of acknowledging and embracing oneself as a person loved and valued by God. The participants were also invited to reflect on what they could offer in return for the gifts, opportunities, and mission that God had entrusted to them.

The first day began on a more solemn note as the participants were invited to look inward and speak honestly about themselves and their deeper emotions—some of which had remained unexpressed or suppressed because of different circumstances in their lives. Sr. Leoly guided them in reflecting on those parts of themselves that they often keep hidden from others. This first session helped them become more aware of their emotions and feelings and to recognize their importance in understanding themselves more deeply.

The second session focused on counting their blessings and recognizing the gifts they share with others. At first, many found it difficult to acknowledge that they themselves could be a blessing to others. Their humility made it hard for them to recognize how their presence, talents, and simple acts of service had touched other people’s lives.

Sr. Leoly helped them discover their individual strengths, potentials, and uniqueness as members of the group. She also led them to reflect on their sense of purpose and calling. At times, people may wonder whether God is calling them to something specific. The retreat reminded them, however, that each person has a purpose in this world and is invited to discover how God desires to work through his or her life.

The participants were also given an opportunity for group sharing, where they expressed some of the difficulties and challenges they had experienced. In an atmosphere of trust and openness, they were able to listen to one another and find encouragement in their shared experiences.

The retreat concluded with a heartfelt prayer in which the participants offered their aspirations, hopes, gifts, and willingness to give themselves back to God. Their experience culminated in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where they gathered their reflections and renewed their commitment to live with greater awareness and gratitude.

The two days of retreat ended with the participants feeling refreshed, renewed, and grateful, carrying with them not only deeper self-awareness but also a renewed appreciation of their identity, gifts, purpose, and call to be a blessing to others.

By Ericka Xamm Villa

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