Something peculiar happened this morning.  I was awakened by sounds quite unfamiliar to that of Tungawan.  I hardly realized I was in Mornese for our Pre-ordination retreat.  Though I felt like not getting up, I nevertheless managed to peep through the window.  There I saw waving leaves of palm trees over an immense green panorama.  I rushed to the porch for a closer look and beautiful scenery greeted my early morning meditation.  It’s amazing how nature paints such an irresistibly beholding sight.  There were fogs hovering above the mountaintop and birds frolicked into the trees.  A little later, I could see the horizon clearing and the mountain appears as though it kisses the heavens.  The sun beamed its early morning rays bringing warmth to earth’s moisten face …far across, a great shaft of light majestically over the retreat house beneath it.  Mornese is simply captivating, humming an ambiance of serenity typical to Asian lands.  The earth breathes vitality and the air perfumed with sweet floral scents.  Indeed, a perfect place for a retreat …  a place where one could sing praises to God for the wonders He has made in creation, a spiritual refuge where one finds strength from Him who never tires of giving, of nourishing and of blessing.  At the beginning of our retreat, Mornese placed us into the sacred realm where God speaks to us through creation, in our solitude and in the silence of our prayer.  Being in Mornese means finding oneself to a lonely place to pray.

-         Rev. Efren Limpo Lo,  CMF

(Source:  Lifeline December 2007)

Among the group of retreanants that filled MCS – Pansol during the first month of 2007 were the graduating students from the University of Sto. Tomas –  College of Commerce. They came in three batches on separate dates for the retreat conducted by Sr. Tess Saludares on the theme       “Towards Becoming Fully Human”. The retreat of the last batch on February 2-4 was co-facilitated by Miss Sabsy Palanca, the group’s professor in their major project- Entrepreneurship. In her talks she developed the topic “Spirituality in the workplace” At moment during the retreat the niece of Miss Sabsy Palanca,  Sharon, a young business woman gave a very inspiring talk on how one can transform his/ her very workplace as a venue of genuine service to the Lord. She charged everything to her personal experience as she talked to the group’s delight.  The UST students have been our clients for two years now. Four groups of graduating students all from the College of Commerce had their retreat also with Sr. Tess.According to Miss Alice Santiago, this year’s Retreat Coordinator, the choice for Mornese was inspired by the feedback she gathered from last year’s retreatants. (Source:  Lifeline May 2007) 

A group of young people from Calcarrie’s International Models Philippines Inc. spent a two-day retreat with Sr. Tess Saludares as facilitator on Dec. 20-22 last year at Pansol.

            This group of supermodels and office staff, who are busily engaged in the world of fashion and entertainment, find time to go for spiritual retreat twice a year as part of their formation program.  A retreat twice a year is encouraged by the Company manager,  Mr. Joey Espino, who believes in the value of prayer in a person’s life.  This group is made up of persons who are achievers and success-oriented and Sir Joey constantly inspires them to hold on the conviction that “achievement without God is an empty victory.

            He shared with Sr. Tess in his letter that he wants all in his group to acquire a deep Christian spirituality so that they become God-fearing and persons of integrity in their field of work.  Having this kind of spirituality will keep their equilibrium even at the workplace.

  (Source:  Lifeline May 2006)

(Source:  Lifeline May 2006)