Lent is an opportune time to remember how Jesus loves each one of us regardless of our sinfulness. In this season, we are reminded that Lent is not only a time to practice self-control and change our bad behaviors, but also it is a moment to reconsider our lives and think how we can live as Jesus taught us.

The Kanagawa Pastoral Workers started the Lenten journey with a recollection last February 24, 2024, from 10:30 – 2:30 pm. It was held in Fujisawa Catholic Church and was participated in by twenty- eight (28) pastoral workers who were representatives from the different parishes. The theme of the recollection was “Maging Akin Muli”, highlighting the truth that even if we are sinners, we are unconditionally loved by God. Even if at times, we tend to forget about Him, and live a self-centered life, God continues to seek for us.

It was indeed a day of intense prayer and sharing, of forgiveness and spiritual renewal with a deeper realization that part of the joy of the resurrection is to allow oneself to be transformed by the grace of the Lord. Each one is invited to die and give oneself for the sake of love. Heeding God’s invitation to go back to Him, each one realized that the sufferings and the cross are always part of life and that through God’s graces, they can be transformed into the glory of the resurrection.

The day’s recollection ended with the celebration of the Holy Mass where everyone felt blessed and affirmed of God’s love for them. The group expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Mary Mae Santorce, F. I. , Sr. Mary Joy Garcia,(Mercedarian Missionaries), and  Sr. Lorena V. Sevillo, F. I., who facilitated the recollection.