Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan held its annual Holy Week Triduum Retreat from 17 to 19 April 2025, at the University Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, gathering nearly 500 participants in a deeply spiritual and moving experience themed “Unbreakable Hope.”
Fr Roseller “Ro” Atilano Jr, SJ, Chaplain of the Basic Education Cluster of XU and this year’s Retreat Giver journeyed meaningfully the Sacred days in Xavier Ateneo days attended by administrators, faculty and Non-Teaching Staff, Alumni, retirees, parents, students and members of the larger community of Xavier Ateneo to pause and reflect on their faith, struggles, and the enduring hope that carries them through.
The retreat opened on Holy Thursday with a powerful question posed to the participants: “Is there still hope?” This reflective prompt set the tone for the rest of the retreat, encouraging attendees to internalize and personalize the theme of hope in the context of their own lives and spiritual journeys.
On Good Friday, the second session centered on the “unbreakable hope of man.” Fr Ro guided the participants to revisit the most difficult trials of their lives — those moments when hope felt out of reach, and surrender seemed like the only option. It was a solemn and vulnerable space for honesty and healing. The session culminated in the Stations of the Cross, led by Xavier University alumni, reminding everyone of Christ’s suffering, solidarity, and the collective journey toward resurrection.
The final day, Black Saturday, brought a profound turn. Fr Ro’s reflection explored the “unbreakable hope of God,” calling everyone to remember moments they felt God’s overwhelming presence, even when they deemed themselves unworthy, unready, or unprepared to receive His love. The message was clear: God’s hope never falters, even when ours does.
As the Holy Week Triduum Retreat drew to a close, Ms Irene Grace A Guitarte, Director of Alumni Relations Office, took a moment to acknowledge the dedicated working committee whose efforts ensured the success of the entire retreat.
A gesture of gratitude followed as Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, University President together with Fr Frank Dennis B Savadera, SJ, Vice President of Mission and Ministry, and Ms Dannika Rose Family, Director of Campus Ministries Office, presented a certificate of appreciation and a token of gratitude to the Retreat giver, Fr Ro Atilano Jr SJ and the retreat facilitator Mr Neil Brianne Digal, a proud alumnus of Xavier University and a faculty member of the School of Education.
Fr Mars delivered the closing remarks, expressing his appreciation to all who took part in the meaningful retreat. He especially thanked the hardworking committee whose dedication helped attained the event's success.
Indeed, the 2025 Holy Week Triduum Retreat at Xavier University offered a sacred space for prayerful reflection and sense of gratitude as the participants left the church carrying not only the lessons of Holy Week but a renewed sense of faith and a heart full of hope — unbreakable, unwavering, and deeply anchored in God's love.