IT IS A TREAT TO RETREAT

Mt. St. Paul Retreat House, Benguet—the 4th year BA Communications students had their annual retreat last November 22-24, 2016. Few students from the RE, BMA and Nursing societies also joined them on this journey.

One of the most memorable experiences these students will treasure forever was their date with our creator. Held above the beautiful mountains of Benguet, the participants were given the chance to recharge themselves with the Lord.

Upon arriving, the students had the house rules briefing at the St. Paul conference hall presided by Sister Bernardita. Subsequently, they went to their rooms to freshen up and to

have a short rest after their 6 hour trip. They also held a mass at 3pm. The sessions officially started at 8pm facilitated by Fr. Jason Laguerta. The first talk focused on knowing oneself because in knowing oneself, you will be able to know and understand others. It was a great beginning for the students to be able to evaluate themselves before Christ. Lights were turned off by 10pm.

On their second day, they finished 4 more sessions which tackled the importance of being appreciative of one’s blessings and being able to asses one’s longings. They were also given the opportunity to undergo the sacrament of penance followed by a Eucharistic Celebration at 6pm. The last session paved a way for the students to affirm their closest friends and even those people they did not get to converse with since their first year in St. Paul . It was a fruitful yet tiring day for they were able to know more their batch mates.

Carla Cirelos, the class representative of BACOMM4B was moved by the much needed interaction of the 2 blocks. “Block A, this is my beautiful block B. Block B, this is the awesome block A. We are a family”, she said. It was indeed a memorable retreat for everyone.

Time fled too fast and they had their last day in Benguet. They opened the wonderful day with a sumptuous breakfast preceded by a morning prayer. They accomplished their final session which made the participants a little emotional. Popsicle sticks were distributed among them and they were tasked to give those sticks to the person whom they think was under appreciated and those they should have spent more time with. Despite the gloomy feeling, giggles were still heard inside the hall that made a lighter mood. It was clearly evident that they had created

rapport between themselves which they can bring with them even after college.

They also had a concluding mass followed by a delicious lunch prepared by the Manangs and Manongs of the retreat center. They departed the venue at around 1 in the afternoon with simple pabaons given by the Sisters. To have a short rest from the 6 hour trip, they had a stop over at the Pasalubungan Station. After the little time given for Pasalubong shopping, they resumed their trip. They arrived back at the school at 8pm.

One of the retreatants, Patricia Jose was grateful for the opportunity to be able to join the said activity. “Happy ako na madami akong natutunan pero super nakakapagod lang ang biyahe. (I am happy that I learned a lot from this retreat but the long trip was tiring).”

It was a home sweet home for the participants. That wrapped up the enlightining and electrifying retreat of the 4th year BA Communication students they will surely cherish.