Paschal Triduum Discernment Recollection
17th to 20th April, 2025
Bolinao
After much anticipation, the long-awaited Discernment Retreat finally came to life as nine young women responded to the invitation. They arrived on the night of the 17th from three different homes across the Philippines.
The retreat officially began the following morning in the novitiate with a lively ice-breaking session. Together with the novices, the girls participated in
a simple game designed to help everyone get to know each other. This was followed by a warm welcome and an orientation talk given by Mother Teresa Augustine. Sr. Mary Codelia then explained the program for the triduum, outlining the prayer moments, reflections, and conferences they would journey through together.
At 10:00 AM, the participants gathered for the first conference, led by Fr. Ramon Bautista, SJ, on the theme of Ignatian Discernment. Father spoke about the often-perplexing nature of our thoughts and emotions—how they can be pleasant or unpleasant, confirming or conflicting, consoling or overwhelming. He challenged the group to ask: What do these feelings mean? How does one begin to sort and weigh thoughts, emotions, and desires, especially when making decisions—whether small or life-changing? The morning ended with a small group sharing, giving the participants a space to reflect and speak about their insights and experiences in light of what they had heard.
In the evening, the participants took part in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, where they animated the Mass through heartfelt singing in Tagalog. After the liturgy, they extended their service by assisting in the meal service for the elderly, a humble act of love that deepened their experience of Christ’s call to serve. From 9:00 PM to midnight, the girls joined the community in keeping watch with the Lord. This sacred vigil included praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, listening to the Passion narrative, and ending with a quiet moment of reverence as they kissed the altar. It was a profound time of silence, prayer, and communion with Jesus in His agony.
The following day, Good Friday, began early with the Stations of the Cross at 6:30 AM. The young women actively participated, taking turns carrying the cross at each station. As they walked the path of Christ’s suffering, they entered more deeply into His Passion.
Afterwards, they joined the novitiate community for Morning Prayer, which further invited them into a spirit of contemplation and quiet intimacy with the Lord. At 9:00 AM, the participants gathered in two groups for a session of Conversation in the Spirit, centered on the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross. Each group reflected on the question: “Which final words of Jesus on the Cross speak to you, and how do they relate to the concept of redemption in your life?” The sharing that followed was deeply moving and enlightening. Each young woman spoke from the heart, and their reflections revealed a sincere desire to understand the mystery of the Cross and God’s redemptive love on a more personal level. Throughout the day, the spirit of silence and sacrifice was honoured. The girls observed fasting and took their meals in silence, allowing the meaning of the day to settle into their hearts. At 3:00 PM, the entire community gathered for the solemn Good Friday Service, commemorating the death of the Lord with reverence and solemnity. Later, at 7:30 PM, everyone reconvened in the chapel to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Litany, closing the day in peaceful prayer and deep gratitude.
The next day, Holy Saturday, began with a gentle rhythm of free rising, allowing the participants time for personal prayer and reflection. The community then came together for Morning Prayer, embracing the quiet anticipation that marks this sacred day.
At 9:00 AM, a talk was given by Fr. Francis ABELLA, the parish assistant priest of Bolinao. He spoke about vocation discernment, sharing the journey of his own calling to the priesthood. His personal story was both inspiring and relatable, offering the young women valuable insight into how God calls in unique and often unexpected ways. After the talk, Fr. Francis generously made himself available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, allowing the participants to encounter God’s mercy profoundly.
At 11:00 AM, the whole community gathered for the Office of Readings, entering into the stillness and depth of Holy Saturday with the Word of God and sacred silence.
In the afternoon at 3:00 PM, the group reconvened to listen to a video conference by Fr. Chris Alar on the liturgical meaning and symbolism of the Paschal Triduum. His explanation helped the participants to better understand and enter into the richness of the Easter liturgy. This was followed by the praying of the Rosary and Evening Prayer at 4:30 PM, gently preparing their hearts for the great celebration to come. At 7:30 PM, the community gathered once again—this time to celebrate the most anticipated and glorious liturgy of the Church year: the Easter Vigil. The young women took an active role in animating the singing, filling the chapel with joyful and vibrant voices that lifted everyone’s hearts in praise. The liturgy, rich with symbols of light, word, water, and Eucharist, marked the triumph of Christ over death and the dawn of new life. Following the Vigil, a simple yet joyful gathering was held in the auditorium. There was a small refreshment shared with the entire community, but what made the evening truly memorable was the outpouring of joy. Laughter, singing, and spontaneous dancing broke out, as everyone expressed their Easter joy freely and wholeheartedly.
The next day, everyone woke up early to attend the Salubong Mass at 5:00 AM in Bolinao Parish—a cherished dawn tradition in the Philippines. This special celebration includes a moving procession where images of the Risen Jesus and Mother Mary joyfully encounter, symbolising the resurrection and reunion.
After the Mass, everyone shared breakfast. With spirits high, the group then headed to Bolinao Falls to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature together. Following a shared lunch with the community, it was time to say goodbye. One by one, the participants left for their respective destinations, carrying with them memories of a joyful and meaningful time.
We continue to lift these young people in prayer. May the time they spent with the Lord bear lasting fruit in their lives, guiding them in faith, love, and purpose.
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