By Paulo Fabrigar
Campus Minister, XUGS 

Fr Arman Samonte SJ with the Grade 5 students who are attending the onsite recollection. 

The Grades 5 and 6 pupils of Xavier University Grade School have started coming on campus for their onsite recollections. With the easing down of the pandemic restrictions, the formation activities of the school have transitioned back into a face-to-face mode. However, as the COVID19 pandemic still threatens everyone, safety guidelines and protocols were set in place in order for the health and safety of the participants. 

Guidance Counselor Ms Catherine Lopez facilitates the group guidance activity.

Held at the school’s chapel and the AVR, the recollection participants were immersed on inputs that aimed to deepen one’s understanding of Ignatian Spirituality and of Christian and human virtues. 

The recollection participants had undergone various activities during the whole day recollection program. Recollection inputs, individual reflection, small group sharing, and group guidance were facilitated by the Campus Ministry Office and the Guidance Office. The Roman Catholic participants were also able to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation administered by the school’s chaplain. 

One of the innovations that the XUGS had done this school year is the organizing of the Parents’

Formation Session. Parents were invited to come on campus for an hour of mini-recollection where they received inputs on Ignatian Spirituality in relation to their roles as parents. The parents also had a guided examen facilitated by the school’s faculty member. 

The one-day recollection program concluded with a Eucharistic celebration attended by the recollection participants and their parents and teachers. 

Onsite recollections at XUGS started last September 6, 2022 and is still going on.

Photo by Paulo Fabrigar