LENTEN  RECOLLECTION : WOMEN  FROM THE DEPRESSED AREA

 

Mrach 15, 2010 was  a  memorable day for the  40 women from the depressed  area of Bocana, Lasang. It was the first time that they experienced  a  recollection. Sr. Florencia Constantino conducted the activity which started at  2:00 o’clock in the  afternoon. The women started coming at 1:30 P.M. for the registration  which was under the charge of Sr. Emma Quinquero.  The event started with an opening prayer to help the participants settle down. A  brief brainstorming  followed  where the women were asked to answer this  question: What is Lent? Only   five among the 40 participants were able to answer. The rest don’t have any idea about this very significant Liturgical season. Perceiving  their need, Sr. Florencia  focused her talk on the importance of Lent in their life and the practices that they ought to observe during this season.

What made a great impact in the experience of the women was the sharing of the life of Mo. Foundress.  While they were listening to the story of   Mo. Foundress  recounted by Sr. Florencia many of them  were in tears because  they were very  much   touched by  her  life as a poor woman like them.   They  were inspired to   live their faith life  like her and to  strengthen their trust and confidence in Him.

After the closing prayer  the “estampitas”  of Mo. Founsdress with the novena in Cebuano  were distributed to them  which they received with great joy. A   simple snack was served to them. As an expression of gratitude to God for the  forthcoming Canonization of Mo. Foundress, the women were given  one plastic bag containing  rice, canned goods and noodles.

This recollection was the third  one which we organized  for our poor brothers and sisters in this reality. The first two recollections were given to the “trisikad” drivers last December 23, 2009 and February 21, 2010.   More than 150  “trisikad” drivers  participated  in these two recollections. Sr. Caridad Ramirez took charge of   the recruitment of these three   groups of  people who participated in the recollection.    

 

By Sr. Florencia Constantino, F.I.
Lasang, Davao City