Young religious gather, exercise joy

EXERCISE OF JOY. Participants try not to “fall” from the newspaper, and so hold each other to keep the “journey” towards holiness going. These young religious gathered to teach each other the value of trusting and enjoying each other’s company with Lord at the young religious gathering, held last November 13. (Photo: Sr. Michelle May Caligner, PM)

The Association of Temporary Professed Religious of the Archdiocese of Davao (ATPRAD) celebrated its 17th founding anniversary at the Society of Divine Vocations (SDV) Seminary, Catalunan Grande, Davao City last November 13, 2016 with the aim to foster communion, mutual support, and unity among its members.

Fifty seven (57) religious brothers and sisters from seventeen (17) different congregations, including Fr. William Laurose, MM, Vicar for Religious, and some formators were present in the said celebration.

Speaker Fr. Raniel Samong, OFM discussed the joy of young religious which reawakened their consciousness about the happiness and joy of being young religious and share it with others. He said, “true joy is born from the encounter, from the relationship with others, seeing Jesus as the center of our life that gives rise to a desire to share our joy to others through our different charisms.”

Afterwards, the participants were given the time to share their experiences of joy as young religious. Afternoon activities included exercises of joy as facilitated by the officers which bonded them.

“The event was really a time of great joy,” said Br. Felmar, SDV. He added, “The ATPRAD gathering is an enriching and empowering experience being a religious temporary professed in the Archdiocese of Davao.”

Fr. William Larousse, MM encouraged the young religious to persevere in religious life. “You are the future missionaries of the Church particularly here in the Philippines, especially in the Archdiocese of Davao,” he added.

“The association helps us realize that religious life is not a strange reality because it is lived by many. Furthermore, it reminds us that life is a journey. Definitely along the journey there is joy,” ended Sr. Annalie, OP.

The gathering is celebrated every year held in various congregations in Davao City starting 1999. (Br. Frances P. Cadagdagon, CSCh)