Images of Sacred Heart Novitiate, Quezon City

I had the privilege to have an individually-directed retreat at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches,  Quezon City last week.  My retreat master was Fr. Vic R Baltazar, S.J.,  director of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality based in Ateneo de Manila.

It was my first time to have an individually-directed retreat and I found the experience  deeply meaningful and memorable. There were many personal  realizations I came upon.  I truly feel privileged.


On the last  day of my retreat, I took pictures around the premises of Sacred Heat Novitiate.   The main building was put up in 1932.  With its high ceilings, massive walls and halls and  distinct design, the main house could be  a national architectural treasure.

I noticed that some of the surrounding structures already need repair.    The auditorium in the adjoining building is also being converted to conference rooms and bed rooms for retreatants   with special needs (greater access to the facilities.)

In this regard, I am taking an initiative to draw attention to the condition of such a historical place.   To those who would like to contribute to the upkeep and upgrade of  Sacred Heart Novitiate and Sacred Heart Retreat House and Seminar Center,  below are the contact details:

Sacred Heart Novitiate and Sacred Heart Retreat House and Seminar Center, Km.23, Quirino Highway, 1118 Quezon City, P.O. Box 172, Novaliches, 1117 Quezon City
Tel./Fax. (Novitiate): (02) 936-3380; 930-3598
Tel./Fax. (Retreat House): (02) 939-5060 or 5069

For those who are based in the United States who would like to help,  here is the link to the Philippine Jesuit  Foundation-- the only official fundraising organization in the United States for Jesuits and Jesuit works in the Philippines.

Thank you. GPS.

Individually Guided Holy Week Retreat-- April 20 to 24, 2011

The Center for Ignatian Spirituality Philippines (CIS), is  inviting  men and women to  devote 4 days and 4 nights, that is, from dusk of Holy Wednesday to midday of Easter,  to an individually guided retreat-- either at the Sacred Heart  Novitiate in Novaliches or at San Jose Seminary  inside Ateneo de Manila.

From the CIS brochure, this  retreat is...

• based on St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises;

• for those who  long for for a deep encounter with God, and who desire to pray in unity with whole Church as it commemorates the Lord's passion, death and resurrection; 

• a good opportunity to reflect on the past year, to savor concrete life events and to notice the  unique way by which God invites individuals to share in His Paschal Mystery; 
  

• distinct from the usual preached type or retreat, each retreatant is provided a guide whom he/she meets each day to share fruits of prayer according to the prayer  matter suggested.

Program cost is Ph 4,500 inclusive of materials,  board and lodging (spartan room accommodations: no air conditioning units and private bathrooms) .    A non-refundable reservation fee of Ph 1,350 is required upon submission of registration form (please download the form from the CIS website.)

Deadline for registration is on March 20, 2011.

For more information, please contact the Center of Ignatian Spirituality (CIS) Philippines.

www.cisphil.org
email:   cisphil@gmail.com
Tels. :   426-4250/51
Fax  :    426-4250

Dwells God

Today, I had the privilege to attend a talk by Fr. Vic  R. Baltazar, S.J--Director of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality--  on "Religious Experience."  He pointed out that we can find God even in the most human, most mundane conditions.

He played  "DWELLS GOD,"  a music video dedicated to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) mothers.   Given  that 7 out 10 OFWs  are  women, it is alarming to know  that about 10 million Filipino children are now growing up without a mother.    To me though, the story in this heart-warming video is well told.  Please listen to the  lyrics closely.