It was an exciting dawn of May 13, 2010. Before the roosters’ crow, my hubby Lito, youngest daughter Mae Yannie and I were all busy preparing for a long trip. We had to catch up with the first barge bound for Mukas and connect to the first Rural Transit bus that would bring us to the Transfiguration Monastery at San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. We were attending a 3-day family retreat.
“You must be there before 11 o’clock in the morning to join lunch with the group”, reminded Naomi of NCFBE (National Catholic Family Bible Encounter) secretariat, Manila.
With pleasant mood, we sailed smoothly from Ozamiz to Mucas, then to Iligan City. However, when we reached Cagayan De Oro City, no bus heading to Malaybalay City was available. We waited for almost two hours under the biting heat of the sun for the terminal is undergoing renovation.
“No chairs to sit on, no shade. It is very hot! Oh my God, what are all of these?!?” I murmured while wiping the sweat of my forehead using the back of my palm.
Finally, we arrived at the targeted site at past 12 o’clock.
“Whew! What a tiresome journey!”
The retreat was conducted by the executive secretary of ECBA (Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate) Fr. Oscar Alunday, SVD, assisted By MS. Teresita Azurin.
In the three days that we spent, we had opportunities to take a closer look at our lives with which to learn and grow from. . The retreat commenced with a prayer in the form of bibliodrama using a Jewish song. A sharing of happy and sad events took place before we ended the day as the families were requested to make their respective “Banig ng Buhay” (Mat of Life). It was an emotional moment for everyone, especially me. I came to realize that life is full of ups and downs. For now, all we can do is to be always thankful for the good things we have, to be happy and to do the best we can while we are still alive. With that, a bible verse came playing in my mind.
“Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.
He sets the time for sorrow and time for joy…
A time for tearing and a time for mending…
A time for silence and the time for talk…
He sets the time for love and the time for hate.
(Ecclesiastes 3: 4, 7, 8 & 12)
We had a chance to dance in prayer among the other participants and contemplate in silence with the Benedictine monks during the retreat. That experience was energizing and I feel a sense of calmness. It is really true, “In silence and trust lies my strength” (Isaiah 30:15).
At one time, a reflection came about on the holy family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Many questions and presumptions emerged from the participants as the story progressed to the part when Jesus stayed behind in the temple and Joseph and Mary were looking for him. There was an exchange of ideas.
I can truly feel the love and care from my husband and daughter while experiencing a “monk’s meal”. A little later, the trees and lighted candles around made the venue a perfect place for a hearty dinner outdoors. Adding up to the ambience, mixed voices of our beloved children filled out the air as they sang to the tune of “You Raised Me Up”.
“Wow! What a romantic moment!”
We also had walked under the shade of towering bamboo trees. I expected to see a zoo but to my surprise, amidst the forest erected a magnificent house made of Mangima stones in breccias furnished with historic appliances of unique designs. Looking through the terrace, we saw the breathtaking panorama – the wild flowers swaying amidst the blowing wind in the melody sung by the insects and birds that freely live around. “How powerful are the hands of our Creator!”
Living in the city could mean noise. We could not hear and feel close to nature in big cities but here in the deafening silence of the hill we heard even the whisper of the wind - a perfect place for a recollection.
“How lucky are we to be here!” I told Lito.
As we went home, we brought with us not only meaningful memories but also the big challenge to answer God’s calling. In our own way, our family committed ourselves to participate in God’s ministry guided by the following vision and mission.
VISION STATEMENT
As members of NCFBE (National Catholic Family Bible Encounter,) we envision the people of Bañadero Parish, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Mindanao,
as God-centered families rooted in the words of God,
living in peace and unity.
MISSION STATEMENT
In order to realize our vision we commit ourselves to:
1. Proclaim and put into practice God’s words from the Holy Bible as well as religious traditions to our families, neighbors and communities.
2. Uphold Bible enthronement in every home and its promotion in pastoral use.
3. Coordinate with the parish to conduct more Basic Bible Seminar (BBS) to families in all chapels under the Bañadero Parish.
No matter how long or tedious our travel was in going to the place, it was all worth it. God has stored nice things for us in there through our benefactor Madam Elvira Yap Go who never ceased in showing her love to people. A silhouette of Mama Mary, she has a heart of a mother who knows the needs of her children.
“Xie xie!,…To sha! Muchas gracias! Thank you! Maraming Salamat! Madam Elvie, Viva shalom mabuhay po kayo!”
AMEN!!!
Macelinda Diaz Verano
49-c Rizal Ave. Lam-an, Ozamiz City
Misamis Occidental, Philippines
Cel No. 09183338839
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