On August 15, 2025, FCIC employees gathered at the Main AVR for a session on personality development led by Rev. Fr. Jose Litigio, OFM, a psychologist by profession. The session opened with a reflection on the youthful dreams of St. Francis, who once longed to be a knight but later discovered a deeper calling. This became a starting point to reflect on personality development—not as outward appearance or behavior alone, but as the inner growth of body, mind, and soul.
Fr. Litigio emphasized that personality development is not just about how we act on the outside, but about shaping who we are on the inside through values, choices, and relationships. He stressed the importance of balancing body and soul: caring for our physical needs such as health, work, and education, while also nurturing the soul through reflection, meaning, and service. When one side is neglected, life becomes either shallow or restless; but when both are cared for, balance brings fulfillment and peace.
Growth, he explained, continues through lifelong learning. Change can be uncomfortable, but it is through challenges and new experiences that we truly grow. The session reminded everyone that when we stop learning, we stop living. Every failure, success, or difficulty has a lesson that helps us become wiser and more resilient. Equally important are our beliefs—for they shape our reality. Positive, reality-based beliefs empower us to persist, thrive, and face life with confidence, while negative ones limit us.
Fr. Litigio also highlighted the power of daily choices. Big or small, consistent choices form habits, and habits eventually shape character. Choosing honesty, kindness, and growth builds strength from within, while careless or negative choices weaken who we are becoming. In this way, personality is not something fixed—it is formed daily.
He further explained the elements of the self—self-concept, self-identity, self-esteem, and relationships—as the foundations of personal growth. Knowing who we are, embracing meaningful roles, valuing our own worth, and learning from others create a cycle of awareness, confidence, and connection. By reflecting on these elements, we become more aware of our strengths and weaknesses, and better prepared to grow as individuals and community members.
Finally, the session introduced the “Three R’s” of personality development. Revelation means seeing ourselves, others, and God more clearly. Reverence means respecting human dignity, recognizing the value of every person. Risk challenges us to step outside our comfort zones to learn, grow, and build deeper relationships. Together, these principles show that personality is not fixed but is built daily through balance, learning, respect, and courage.
The session reminded everyone that personality development is not about polishing an image but about becoming real, balanced, and mature. By caring for both body and soul, embracing lifelong learning, choosing wisely, and practicing the three R’s, individuals not only enrich their personal lives but also contribute to a stronger, more compassionate, and thriving community within FCIC.
By: Rowen Jay Loquillano
