Oneing with creation: MI-ISF Laudato Si' Retreat

Fifteen formators from the Mission Integration Cluster participated in the Laudato Si' Retreat organized by the Ignatian Spirituality Formation sub-cluster. This retreat, which was held at the beautiful and sacred grounds of Sacred Heart Retreat House in Novaliches, was facilitated by Fr Jojo Fung, SJ, Dr Carmen Valdes, and Fr Jomari Manzano, SJ.

Here is a short reflection from one of the participants, Mr Jay Nagas, Campus Minister at the Ateneo Senior High School:

The three-day Laudato Si' retreat held on May 19-21, 2023 was not only a refreshing moment, but an experience of ecological conversion where I was able to rediscover my rootedness in creation and to have a deeper connection with God in the greater scheme of things. Given the ecological crisis which we are experiencing, the retreat was very relevant and well-crafted with insight-sharing, individual accompaniment, observation of silence, and immersion in prayer and rituals.

There are three highlights that moved me toward metanoia: First was to gauge with the self in journey. I had to listen, pause and reflect where am I in this journey and where am I in creation since one cannot effectively connect with the environment if they are not rooted and have difficulty in identifying the true self. Second, from that introspection, I was able to be sensitive, to be more kind and loving to others because this is who I am—this is who we are as image of the Creator. And last, it was having a meditative experience on sensing the Sacred in La Mesa Dam that moved me to be gentle and sensitive to the voice of the voiceless. That assisted me to be more accountable with the natural environment.

The experience of the retreat led me to understand my mission as a steward of creation. In order to consciously grow, the retreat emphasized the key of interconnectedness and being “ecologized” in a sense where I see the “self” not separate from everyone or everything, but a conscious person always sharing unconditionally in the love that is given to all for healing to happen to others and for the common home.