PSDP Religious in the Philippines Convene for Their Annual Spiritual Exercises

Cagayan de Oro City – The Mary, Mother of the Poor Delegation held its annual religious exercises or annual retreat at Fr. Luigi Pedrollo Formation House, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City last June 23-30, 2025. Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma, SJ, DD of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro served as their facilitator.

In this week-long retreat, the Calabrian Religious journeyed into the deepest recesses of their being and explored the movement of the Divine Providence in their lives. Through the insights taken from the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, Bishop Tony helped them ponder about the “First Principle and Foundation of Human Life,” that is, “Human beings are created to praise, reverence, and serve God and by doing so, to save his or her soul.” These words, according to Bishop Tony, highlight the importance of freedom and indifference in responding to God's love. Hence, all people, the Calabrian Religious in particular, should not become attached to created things to the point of hindering their relationship with God who is full of love, kindness, and mercy.

This intense spiritual exercise is truly a moment of spiritual renewal and awakening for the Calabrian Religious. It helped them survey their religious life and mission, and it gave them an important moment to pause, to reflect, to review, and to restart. Having been made aware of themselves and the situation of the world that is in need of peace and reconciliation, justice and integrity, it is their hope and prayer that as they end their retreat, a renewed religious will embark anew in his or her mission with the lenses of faith, hope, and love.