ReCOR 2024: A JOURNEY BACK TO THE HEART

In a journey marked by introspection and spiritual growth, nine young souls ventured on a journey returning to their hearts. They bravely plunged into rediscovering themselves in a month of fruitful reflection in the serene atmosphere of Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary, Baguio City, from June 15 to July 15, 2024. The program served as a period of reflection and renewal, deepening their self-awareness and self-worth to strengthen the participants’ desire to pursue the vocation that they have chosen, that is, the priesthood and religious life.

The RECOR, inspired by the Augustinian spirituality, is designed to emphasize the importance of Returning Back To The Heart. It provided a much-needed respite from the academic rigors of seminary life. The term comes from the Latin phrase “Redi ad Cor et inde ad Deum,” which means “Return to the heart and from there to God.” For us seminarians, it was a time to step away from our scholarly pursuits and engage deeply with ourselves, reminding us of the true desires of our hearts.

The various inputs served as the backbone for us, the nine participants, to arrive at self-breaking realizations and self-transforming solutions, making us more aware of our tendencies, weaknesses, and the truths about ourselves that we need to address and accept. Each session, carefully structured and thoughtfully presented, delved into different aspects of personal and spiritual growth, challenging us to reflect deeply on our lives and behaviors. Initially, we were filled with doubts, uncertainties, and the tendency to hold back because we did not know whom to trust and were mindful of what we revealed. Many of us were guarded, wary of vulnerability, and hesitant to expose the parts of ourselves we usually kept hidden. The unfamiliar environment and the presence of new faces, our priest counselors, only added to our initial apprehension.

However, the safe and supportive atmosphere gradually broke down those barriers. Through continuous spiritual direction, individual counseling, group spiritual direction, and formative group processes, we learned to let our guard down and trust one another with our own individual realities. The consistent encouragement from our facilitators and the gradual building of trust within the group played a significant role in this experience of journeying toward transformation. Spiritual direction offered us personalized guidance, helping us navigate our spiritual journeys and confront personal challenges. Individual counseling provided a safe space for introspection and honest conversations, aiding us in addressing deep-seated issues. Likewise, group spiritual direction sessions allowed us to share our experiences and insights, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. These sessions were significantly powerful, as they helped us realize that we were not alone in our struggles and that our experiences often resonated with others. The formative group processes, which included various interactive activities and discussions, further strengthened our bonds and encouraged us to be more open and authentic.

As the retreat progressed, we began to understand each other not just physically but through shared experiences. We started seeing beyond surface impressions recognizing the common threads that connected us. The journey of uncovering hidden truths about ourselves was challenging, often requiring us to confront uncomfortable realities and long-held beliefs. Yet, it was also a liberating experience. With each revelation, we felt a weight lifted off our shoulders, and with each acceptance, we found a renewed sense of self. Revealing and accepting our true selves was not an easy process. It required courage, honesty, and willingness to embrace vulnerability. But as we bared out and shared our stories, fears, and dreams, we created a supportive and empathetic community where everyone felt seen and heard. This collective journey of self-discovery and mutual support led to profound personal growth and a deeper connection with one another. By the end of the retreat, we were transformed from a group of strangers into a close-knit community, bound by trust and understanding.

Another aspect that helped us was the program’s structure. Each day of the retreat was carefully structured to foster spiritual growth and maturity. Mornings began with communal prayer of the liturgy of the hours followed by the Eucharistic celebration then breakfast. At 8 am, we had the daily adoration to the Blessed Sacrament followed by the different workshops, seminars, and talks that were scheduled for the day. Afternoons were dedicated to group discussions and spiritual guidance sessions. Of course, we also had sports and exercises after sessions to balance both our physical and mental health. There were also times of the day that were spent in silence and solitude. Sundays were spent for different activities like Paseo, Group outing, Dinner Out, and City Touring which depended on what we decided to do, to have a little break from the retreat. The combination of the activities – silence, workshops, talks, breaks, and so on was very much helpful in our journey during these days. For us, it was a professional and personal style, making us develop a mature outlook on our spirituality together with the growth and awareness of our inner self. The emphasis on the extended periods of silence that were observed, also allowed us to quiet our minds and listen more intently to the inner voices of others and God. Silence was initially challenging, but it became a powerful tool for self-discovery and spiritual clarity. It is in those quiet moments that we feel a deeper connection to ourselves and to God Who called us.

The ReCOR left us with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to our calling. It provided us with an invaluable opportunity to step back from our academic endeavors and delve deeply into self-reflection and spiritual growth. Through its structured daily activities, periods of silence, and communal experiences, we were able to unveil and address our inner truths, develop self-awareness, and strengthen our commitment to our vocation.

As we move forward, we carry with us the profound lessons and renewed sense of purpose gained from this retreat. Surely, we will still face challenges ahead. But we will meet them with greater confidence, clarity, and a deeper connection to ourselves and God. The ReCOR has truly been a transformative journey, equipping us with the tools to embrace our unique selves and pursue our path with renewed vigor and faith.

Sem. Jairus Cyril Altares (Diocese of Laoag)
An Intern-Seminarian at the Recoletos Formation Center
A Student of Theology at the Recoletos School of Theology