From September 18 to 22, 2017, 29 members of the SCJ Philippines Region participated in the retreat conducted by the Director of the Centro Studi Dehoniani (CSD) in Rome, Fr. Stefan Tertünte, SCJ. Among the main topics of the retreat were the SCJ Identity and Community Life.
The retreat was held at the Don Bosco Batulao Retreat House, also known as Mary Help of Christians Center of Spirituality in Nasugbu, Batangas, about 20 km from Tagaytay City, the capital of retreat centers in the Philippines.
The participants, besides the spiritual nourishment, were able to enjoy the cool weather and hospitality of the staff of the retreat center.
Fr. Marty M. Macasaet, SDB, the Rector, in his welcome message said: Don Bosco’s original mission actually was a “business,” as it were. Certainly not just to run or operate a retreat house — although also that has nowadays become a veritable industry as well, not so much different from running a hotel or a restaurant (complete with competition!). It’s really no other than “soul-biz.” This is the noble, God-appointed ministry of the salvation of the souls — those of the young, primarily. For sure the retreat ministry goes a long way in this important endeavor. And so in this wonderful venture of ours, we all strive to collaborate and cooperate — with God, first and foremost, and with one another. We look forward to a fruitful and fertile undertaking. As Don Bosco’s great motto captures it, “Give me souls, take away the rest.” And of course we also have the motto of Don Bosco Batulao, “Do whatever He tells you.” That’s Mary, of course, instructing us her children, to be obedient and docile to the urgings of her Son Jesus Christ. May these sayings serve as our guide and inspiration in all that we do”.
