Reflection by Contact James Daniel Cudo
I appreciate the continuity between our learning session with Br. Zennel Sy FSC on Prayer and this Lenten Pilgrimage with Paghilom Program graduates. Apart from meditating on Christ’s overwhelming love, humility, and mercy together through the Stations of the Cross, we also listened to their testimonies in overcoming struggle and turning back to Christ – how they were once lost, and now found. I was moved by their stories of hope and their still-ongoing process of healing, by the transformative power of Christ in their lives, and by how they are sharing it with others. Truly, it is by God’s grace that they are able to move forward with faith and a renewed sense of purpose in life.
One graduate shared her plans of starting a small business: a snack bar selling burger, fries, and pampalamig. She also recalled how she enjoyed celebrating Christmas with family at home – something she prayed for to happen.
Much like last December’s Advent Recollection, this was, in a way, a ‘ministry of presence’ — a reminder that sometimes, the greatest act of service is simply listening, walking with others in their journey, and affirming their dignity as God’s beloved. It challenges us to become more intentional in how we accompany others. In these moments, God’s love is made tangible, and we become instruments of His mercy and compassion.
