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OCD Philippines: Center of Spirituality

OUR LADY’S HILL – SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Over the years of formation and retreats conducted at Our LADY’S HILL, we have noticed a number of people have been trapped by their attitudes and by their inability to move beyond fear, hurt and hopelessness. In spite of their best intention, especially in the earlier stage of their formation, they remained emotionally stuck, unable to let go of past hurts or respond to where life is calling them.

Pep talks may offer temporary relief, but they are not solutions in themselves. We were able to make them realize that no amount of desiring freedom is going to make it happen unless someone more powerful than the person can remove the shackles; chains do not fall away when they themselves are tightly clutching them as if they were a security blanket. It is only by a leading them gradually to a wholehearted surrender into God’s hands that they found true freedom; only God can ransom them.

This has been the process for their entire Postulancy formation from May to December. During the last three months, they had undergone an in-depth evaluation of their “immersion program” with the poor in our St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Jaro, Iloiolo. To help them understand themselves more fully, especially as they struggle to live as “community,” they had moved together through the “Phase II of their Psycho-Spiritual Integration.” This was closely associated with another exposure in line with community life, that is, the “Social Dynamics of Community Life” by Cynthia Baga. They saw that “change” begins with the awareness of their own inconsistencies and vulnerabilities, identification of needs and values, and so leading to new meanings. They now know that they must be open to the formation of “new behaviors.” These processes were supported by some inputs on the “Sacraments” by Father Paulo, “Phase II of Growth in Teresian Prayer” by Father Alan and a presentation on “How to Read St. John of the Cross” by Father Joel. To assure the Postulancy that their formation is well placed, that is, within the traditions of Carmel, a one week course on the “History of Carmel” was given by Froilan Torre. All of these inputs are further deepened through individual conferences with Father Rey, their Postulant Director. We must realize that the entire formation process should lead the postulant to the desired “inner freedom” to be found only in and through Christ.

The second thrust or activity evolving at OUR LADY’S HILL, is the full establishment of the CENTER OF SPIRITUALITY as a major challenge, presented to us by our Superior General, Father Luis Arostegui, and accepted by the Philippine Commissariat of the Discalced Carmelite Friars. The Center of Spirituality is scheduled to open officially April 2006. We are moving from “challenge” to “implementation.” This is seen by the on-going physical renovations, expansive landscaping of the property, and the construction of a simple “adoration chapel.” All of these plans are in place, including the most important, the CENTER OF SPIRITUALITY “PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR OF 2006.” An attractive “brochure” has been designed and printed which clearly states the rationale of CENTER OF SPIRITUALITY: to respond to a person’s basic THIRST FOR GOD, to promote the spiritual life among the faithful and to lead people into a deeper relationship with God through prayer, silence and solitude. Before the end of 2005, the PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR 2006 will be circulated to all the Religious Orders and Congregations of men and women, and to all Archdioceses and Dioceses of the Philippines, with a limited number mailed to the States.

The enthusiasm is rising. It’s encouraging to see actually “how much enthusiasm” has been manifested by many individuals and various groups, both religious and lay! Most of them are echoing the same statement; “It’s timely and has long been expected!” To see and feel the enthusiasm comes across positive and practical support. Our greatest encouragement comes from those who have accepted to facilitate one or more the spiritual modals that will be offered through 2006. So, we can see that many have answered the call to walk in faith and openness to the “breath of the Spirit” moving in our hearts and lives, and responding to the people’s thirst for God. May we count on your sustained prayers throughout the year 2006. It’s our strength, supporting us in our desire to guide others to surrender unconditionally to God, and so find their long desired freedom with and in God alone

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