AN EXPERIENCE OF LOVE AND SERVICE

The National Retreat for Priests (NRP 2023) was held on November 7–9, 2023, in Cebu City with the theme, “Priesthood: A Call to Holiness.” It was a collaborative effort of Marian Solidarity, the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Clergy, the Archdiocese of Cebu, and CHARIS Philippines.

Through the initiatives of Marian Solidarity, represented by Carmela and Victoria Borres, Sister Briege McKenna, OSC, and Fr. Pablo de Romani were invited to facilitate the retreat. The CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Clergy promoted the event nationwide, while the Archdiocese of Cebu, through its Commission on the Laity headed by Fe Barino (also National Coordinator of CHARIS Philippines), organized the committees and logistics.

The retreat gathered 2,500 priests and 30 bishops from various dioceses and religious congregations across the country. About 600 lay volunteers served in different capacities as an expression of their love and support for priests. Spiritual preparations included a 50-day, round-the-clock prayer brigade, Eucharistic celebrations, and Jericho marches led by lay organizations under the Archdiocese’s Commission on the Laity and the Council of Charismatic Renewal Services.

A moving highlight of the retreat was seeing priests hear one another’s confessions—an inspiring sign of humility and fidelity to their ministry. Many were deeply touched by the testimonies and spiritual guidance of Sr. Briege and Fr. Pablo. The gathering also became an opportunity for priests to reconnect with brothers from other dioceses.

At the closing, lay volunteers were presented before the priest-participants in the plenary hall. The moment stirred strong emotions, with some priests moved to tears as they saw in the volunteers’ smiles the faces of their parishioners and communities entrusted to their care.

The retreat was a grace-filled experience for both clergy and laity. For priests, it was a time of renewal and hope; for volunteers, a deeply meaningful way to serve the Church. Thanks to Marian Solidarity’s initiative and the collaboration of many, the event left a lasting spiritual impact that continues to resonate in the hearts of all who took part.

By:  Fe M. Barino, Chairperson of Commission on the Laity in the Archdiocese of Cebu and National Coordinator of CHARIS Philippines