The personnel of Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception gathered in a spirit of quiet anticipation for their Lenten Recollection with the theme “Personnel’s Annual Lenten Recollection. A Moment to Pause and Reflect”. This event is an intentional pause from the routines of academic life to listen more deeply to God, to one another, and to the movements of the heart. Guided by the Franciscan charism of simplicity and conversion, the day unfolded not merely as a schedule of activities, but as a pilgrimage inward.
The recollection formally began at 8:20 in the morning with arrival, registration, and a moment of silence. This opening silence was not empty, rather it served as a sacred threshold, an invitation to let go of distractions and enter into a reflective disposition. In that stillness, each participant was gently called to become present: to self, to community, and to God.
The first session commenced under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Jose Litigio, OFM. With clarity and depth, he framed the season of Lent not simply as a ritual observance, but as a transformative journey marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He emphasized that these are not external acts alone, but pathways toward metanoia, a radical interior conversion. Drawing from the Gospel account of the temptation of Jesus, he highlighted three fundamental areas of human struggle: the stomach (our needs), the heart (our desires), and the head (our ambition for power or status). These, he explained, are not inherently evil but become disordered when detached from God’s will.
The session flowed naturally into a period of health break and sharing where participants were given space to voice personal insights, struggles, and realizations among their group members. This communal reflection fostered a sense of vulnerability and solidarity, reminding everyone that conversion is both personal and communal.
After sharing with the group, Fr. Litigio deepened the reflection by presenting points for contemplation: What is Lent inviting us to do? What must we change within ourselves? What must we, as a school community, transform? These questions lingered not as demands, but as gentle provocations, awakening conscience and responsibility.
While having a lunch break, another sharing session provided a space for these questions to take root in lived experience. The exchange of reflections revealed a shared longing for renewal, not only in personal habits but also in relationships, workplace culture, and the broader mission of the institution. Lunch at noon became more than a physical nourishment; it was a continuation of fellowship, where conversations carried the spirit of the morning’s reflections.
At 1:00 P.M., the community gathered for the Holy Mass, the summit of the recollection. In the Eucharistic celebration, all reflections found their fulfillment, as participants offered their intentions, struggles, and desires for transformation to God.
As the celebration drew to a close, Sister Mary Michael, school president, took a moment to express her heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing teachers. She acknowledged that their dedication and service are not merely duties fulfilled, but visible witnesses of commitment and love for the institution. In her words of appreciation, she honored their exemplar contribution, reminding everyone that education, when rooted in vocation, becomes a sacred offering.
The Lenten Recollection, though structured in time, transcended its schedule. It became a sacred encounter. It is also a reminder that amidst the demands of professional life, the human spirit must return, again and again, to its source. In the words unspoken yet deeply felt, the day echoed a quiet truth that true renewal begins within, and from there, radiates outward into community.
In this shared journey, the personnel were not merely attendees of a program, but pilgrims of grace called to carry the spirit of Lent beyond a single day, into the ordinary yet sacred rhythm of everyday life.
By JIE R. LIM, MACDDS
