What a Lasallian was Doing on Atenean Grounds

Early this week, I was in Ateneo for an interview. I'm a Lasallian and the Taft based university was my home for 4 years when I took a double degree more than a decade ago. I wasn't in Ateneo for MBA but I joined a program called Retreat for Daily Life (RDL). It's a 14-week program that allows me to encounter God in everyday life. RDL is managed by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality. There are some text here that I'm quoting from the brochure I took from the reception area.

For persons who cannot take time off to devote thirty days to do a retreat, RDL is the best option as retreatants do not leave their homes and places of work. They keep their regular schedules but commit themselves to a daily prayer period and meet regularly with their retreat guide.

I met the Executive Director, Fr. Celerino Reyes, S.J. and he saw that I was fit for the program. Yesterday, I received a confirmation that I got accepted. Yehey! I'd like to invite all of you to join this spiritual journey. I feel that at this point in my life, I am ready to take on more meaningful activities.

Who many apply to the Retreat in Daily Life?
Applicants who are:
1. able to make a firm commitment to the retreat
2. able to allocate time for formal prayer of 30 minutes to 1 hour each day
3. willing to pray the suggested prayer materials of the retreat
4. willing to reflect on and journal their prayer experiences and to share the fruits of their prayer with their retreat guide
5. willing to be guided by a competent lay retreat guide

Applying is very simple. I filled up a reservation form and sent this to the center via email. I was called on for an interview so the director could assess if I was fit for the program. Program cost is only Php 4,000. Program cost covers retreat materials, stipends for retreat guides, as well as expenses for the prayer workshop and recollections.

They have other programs depending on which stage of your spiritual journey you are in. For more information, please contact the Center for Ignatian Spirituality at 426-4250 / 51 or visit their website at www.cisphil.org.

My spiritual journey has been very fulfilling and indeed it is true - it gives me a calm I cannot explain. I've always felt a void in my life and when I took the plunge out of the corporate world, wonderful things have been happening since I took my first step to know God more. Happy weekend everyone!