Fr. Gilbert Leads Advent Recollection for Kasambahays

The Catholic Women’s League-CTK Chapter, led by Alma Yeh, held the annual Advent Recollection for Kasambahays and Drivers last December 3 and December 4 at St. Luke Room, Parish Formation Center. Participants had a choice of either Monday December 3 or Tuesday December 4, with homeowners opting to divide their housekeepers’ attendance between the two dates. The speaker- facilitator for both days was Rev. Fr. Gilberto Fortunato ‘Gilbert’ Dumlao, Parish Priest of Sto. Niño Parish, Bago Bantay, Quezon City.

There were 10 attendees for December 3 and 17 for December 4, for a total of 27. Sessions began at 9 am with breaks for snacks and lunch. Participants were grouped for reflection and group sharing. Both days’ sessions ended at 3 pm, followed by Confession. The Eucharist was celebrated at the end of the 2nd day. Confessions and mass were presided by Rev. Fr. Louie Punzalan.

Day 1 participants were: Rosela Daniola, Cherry de Jesus, Nisa Dignos, Estela Jutba, Inday Desales, Ariel Abragan, Violeta Cervantes, Erlinda Santiago, Carol Buendia, and Manuel Bitamog. Day 2 participants included: Racquel Gallego, Emeranda Sta. Monica, Marites Pombo, Mely Cretencio, Rose Tibio, Mary Ann Mesa, Cathy Dumgas, Ruby Sarmiento Gonzales, Teresita Bereviano, Landa Deriada, Janet Valles, Rabellia Gardose, Eladio Marfil, Nona Marfil.

In his talk, Fr. Gilbert explained the origin of Advent and its relevance to the Catholic faith. He structured it so that reflections and sharing were based on the meanings of the four candles of Advent, namely:

‣ Candle 1, for hope or ‘pagasa’. The faithful hope on the promise of God to send a Savior and hope on the promise of Christ to come back again. The reflection question was: ‘Ano ang mabubuti mong pangako sa buhay? Nasaan ka na sa mga pangakong ito?’

‣  Candle 2, for faith or ‘pananampalata’. Fr. Gilbert enjoined the kasambahays to pay attention to God whispers and to read the Bible to understand his Word. He also explained that the sacraments are the pathways for blessings. The reflection quesion: ‘Kumusta ang ating paglalakbay sa pananampalataya?’

‣  Candle 3, for joy or ‘ligaya’. The blessing received should be passed on so we can experience joy without end. Fr. Gilbert’s reflection question: ‘Maligaya ka ba? Anong biyaya ang maipapasa mo sa kapwa?’

‣  Candle 4, for peace or ‘kapayapaan’. Sins produce noise and stains to our soul, which is why we are often not at peace. Fr. Gilbert expounded on the effects of sin and the peace one experiences in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. His reflection question: Examine your conscience in preparation for confession.

Present for the Kasambahay recollection were several CWL ofQicers and members, including: president Alma Yeh, Nadine Navarro as activity head, Baby Banal, Chat Barredo, Flor Cabello, Eden Almirez, Ruby Joaquin, Azon Benito and Chayong Joson, who took care of the lunch, and Libis ladies Ching Botero, Ellen Asuncion, Carol Teves, Nenet Cayme, Benith Lozada, Myrna Fullese, Cora dela Cruz, Dolores dela Cruz, Remy Cabanban, and Paulina de Jesus.