The St. Bridget College (SBC) Partners in Mission gathered for a two-day Ignatian Retreat on October 23–24, 2026, at the SBC Chapel, with Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, a renowned Jesuit priest, theologian, and composer, serving as retreat facilitator. The retreat provided the SBC Faculty and Staff with an opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities and dedicate time to prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Through this meaningful gathering, the Bridgetine retreatants were encouraged to deepen their relationship with God, revisit their personal faith journeys, and rediscover the significance of their roles in carrying out the mission of the institution.
In a reflective activity on the “seasons of life,” participants contemplated whether they were in a season of spring, summer, autumn, or winter, each representing experiences of growth, abundance, transition, or discernment. Fr. Francisco reminded them that God continually recreates and renews His people, regardless of the season they are in.
Centering on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the first day of the retreat invited the retreatants to ponder on the profound message of God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. The sharing sessions further enriched the retreat experience as they exchanged insights and personal reflections, fostering a deeper understanding of the parable’s message and its relevance to their spiritual journeys.
The retreat also explored the meaning of authentic Christian love. Participants were reminded that love often begins as an emotion but matures into a conscious commitment to the well-being of others. While emotions may be fleeting and ever-changing, genuine love is expressed through daily choices, faithful actions, and enduring commitment.
The Partners in Mission continued their Ignatian Retreat on October 24, 2026, at the SBC Chapel, with Fr. Francisco guiding the retreatants through reflections on mercy and forgiveness. The second day focused on the importance of understanding forgiveness not only as a spiritual practice but also as a personal journey toward healing and reconciliation.
Another session reflected on Jesus’ embodiment of mercy and forgiveness through His encounters with the woman caught in adultery and Zacchaeus. Participants were encouraged to distinguish between condemning wrongdoing and affirming human dignity, and to respond to anger through honest and respectful communication. The retreat also clarified that while reconciliation is a mutual process, forgiveness is a personal decision to extend charity and respect even when hurt remains, making it a grace-filled path toward healing and freedom.
Through his discussion, Fr. Francisco invited the retreatants to reflect on their own experiences of pain, disappointment, and strained relationships. He encouraged them to approach these experiences with greater understanding and compassion.
The retreat also included sharing sessions and the giving of letters, providing the participants with an opportunity to express their thoughts, share personal experiences, and convey heartfelt messages to one another.
Both days of the Ignatian Retreat concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Francisco, bringing the spiritual gathering to a close through prayer and thanksgiving. The Eucharistic celebrations offered the retreatants a chance to reflect on the lessons and insights gained throughout the retreat.
At the end of the two-day retreat, Dr. Bernadette Manalo, college president, delivered a thanksgiving message, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the meaningful spiritual journey and shared experiences of the Partners in Mission.
The participants also joined in singing songs of thanksgiving, marking the conclusion of the retreat with gratitude and a renewed commitment to living out the values of faith, mercy, and service in the SBC community.
by:
Ms. Charnej Anelci Gonda, IRPPO Staff
Dr. Imelda B. Vergara, IRPPO Officer