Last March 4, 2009, a Lenten Recollection was held in ICA from 9 am – 2 pm, for 48 alumnae who wanted to prepare themselves for the season of Lent.

Following last year’s successful Lenten recollection with Fr. Ari Dy, S.J., the Executive Director of Jesuit Communications who gave a talk on the theme “Jesus on the Cross:  The Freedom of Victimhood”, this year, we were lucky to have Fr. Ted Gonzales, S.J., who is the Program Director for the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM). 

Fr. Ted is an author of a book entitled "Agimat ni Apo" which he compiled from his many readings.  According to Macario Pineda, the book "contains stories of Filipinos who embody the positive virtues and values we desperately need in our country today - heroes who inspire us to build better Filipino families, a better society, a better government, a better workplace, and a better Church”.

The survey that we did after last year’s recollection showed that the respondents felt the recollection made them realize the true value of Lent. It enlightened their lives to be a better person and made them know their true selves. This year was no different.

Fr. Ted divided his recollection into 4 parts.  First he discussed about Fasting, second is Bridge from Fasting to Feasting (Conversion), 3rd is Feasting through the Eucharist and the last is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Fasting is an aid to self-mastery over instincts and freedom of heart.  Fasting is a form of interior penance – conversion in relation to oneself, to God and to others.
Reflection on fasting:

1. What areas of my life am I invited to fast?
2. What are the areas of my life that I am strongly tempted at?
3. What are my vulnerable moments/points?

Conversion is reconciliation, concern for the poor, justice and right, taking one’s cross daily.

Feasting as Eucharist:
Eucharist as communion into the Paschal Mystery of Jesus.
Eucharist as being incorporated into the Body of Christ.
Eucharist makes the Church.
Eucharist fulfilling the hungers of the heart.
Eucharist touching the lives of the poor.
Eucharist as the Last Supper, the last supper on eve of Last Suffer.

For the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Fr. Ted lighted a candle and asked each one of us to write down what we want to tell God.  After we have written down what we want to tell God, we approached Fr. Ted and after he read it, he prayed over us.  This part was very touching because it made us feel closer to God.

He ended the recollection with an anticipated mass.