When God Changed the Program

When I was assigned as School Chaplain of Holy Cross of Davao College, I worked closely with our Campus Ministers in the spiritual formation of the school community. We celebrated Masses, facilitated recollections, heard confessions, and accompanied our students and employees in their journey of faith.

One year, I was assigned to the College Department’s faculty recollection at the P.M. Sisters’ Retreat House. We had invited a speaker, and my role was simply to celebrate the Holy Mass after his talks.

Everything was planned.

Then, on the very morning of the recollection, we received unexpected news: our speaker could no longer come.

The participants had already arrived. There was no time to look for a replacement. I could see the anxiety on the faces of our Campus Ministers. They had not prepared to facilitate the recollection and feared they might not meet everyone’s expectations.

So I said, “Don’t worry. I’ll give the talks.”

The truth was, I wasn’t prepared either. I had no manuscript, no PowerPoint presentation, and no outline.

But I did know something important.

Over the months, I had quietly heard the frustrations of the teaching personnel toward the non-teaching personnel—and vice versa. So I decided to turn those unspoken tensions into an opportunity for grace.

I divided everyone into two groups and gave them one simple instruction.

“Don’t write about each other’s weaknesses. Instead, write only the good things you appreciate about the other group.”

At first, there was silence. Then the pens began to move.

When each group read their lists, the atmosphere changed. Teachers expressed gratitude for the dedication of the non-teaching personnel. The non-teaching personnel spoke of the sacrifices and commitment of the teachers. Smiles appeared. Laughter filled the room. A few quietly wiped away tears.

Many had worked together for years, yet perhaps it was the first time they had openly thanked one another.

What began as a crisis became one of the most meaningful recollections I have ever facilitated.

That experience taught me that God’s interruptions are often His invitations. Sometimes He changes our plans not to make things difficult, but to accomplish something even better.

It is easy to notice people’s faults. It takes a grateful heart to recognize their goodness.

Sometimes, healing begins with two simple words:

“Thank you.” (Jesse Hipolito)