The Code of Canon Law dictates that priests are obliged to go on retreat on a regular basis as determined by the Diocesan Bishop (c.276.2 n.4). This has just been accomplished in Cebu City. Unlike other Clergy Retreats which was done by every Diocese respectively; this year’s retreat was attended for the first time by the Presbyterium of the five (5) Dioceses in the Metropolitan Province of Palo all together. It was after the Bishops decided to hold the retreat as a group with this year being the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons.
370 Priests with their Bishops from the Dioceses of Palo, Calbayog, Borongan, Catarman, and Naval where led into a deep reflection on Priest’s Ethics in Pastoral Ministry by Rev. Fr. Agusto los Angeles. Fr. los Angeles who is from the Diocese of Daet an a convenor of the Ratio for Priestly Formation facilitated the retreat. The BIG (Believe in God) Hotel in Cebu City was the venue of the retreat from November 5-9, 2018.
The event was an occasion for priests to once again put themselves on track within the runways of Pastoral Charity and using the gift of the priesthood for the good of the people more than personal gains. Moreover, the yearly retreat was also a venue for everyone to meet priests from other Dioceses and to cherish memories with their batchmates in the formation.
With the Clergy Retreat coinciding the 5th Year Remembrance of Supertyphoon Yolanda; the flock specially those who survived the catastrophe where in the prayers of the priests. The souls of those who perished where also offered prayers thru a celebration of a Latin Mass.