Recollection 2013

A day of recollection, A day to be grateful for we are not just given a day break but it was a day for Self - contemplation, A day for Honest assessment of our lives, A day of reconciliation and repentance in preparation for the season of Advent. 

It was a day with so much to be grateful for. It was indeed a flame from God. 

We were welcomed by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. We were oriented of the place  with the emphasis of St. Francis of Assisi's teachings that we should:

"Respect and love everything that God has created", We should have "respect for each other" and "allow everything you see in nature speak of God's love for you"

With the beauty and the solemnity of the place you can surely feel God's immense love for us.

Saloma Sa Kinaiyahan is a Flame for God  

The day of recollecting would not have been a success if not of this wonderful gift of person who journeyed with us, laughed with us, conversed with us, ate with us and lead us to prepare 

ourselves for this season of Advent.    

The Gift of Person during our Recollection

Rev. Fr. Russell Bantiles

The focus of his talk was the Advent Season - What is Advent? What are the Symbols of Advent? Who are the key figures of Advent? and that Advent is the Season of Preparation.  Preparation for Jesus coming. 

Maranatha - Come, Lord Jesus.  Jesus comes, comes and comes to us.  

Symbols of Advent: 

Advent Wreath 

Belen

Jesse Tree

May this symbols remind us the true meaning of Christmas!

Pictorials:

May each one find the true meaning of our existence and that the challenge is to find "OUR BUKOG!" =) 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL! 

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! 

THE BELEN

Belén

Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the belén—a creche or tableau depicting the Birth of Christ. Derived from the Spanish name for Bethlehem, Belén, it depicts the infant Jesus in themanger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals, and is surmounted by an angel, the Star or both.

Belén can be seen in homes, churches, schools and even office buildings; the ones on office buildings can be extravagant, using different materials for the figures and using Christmas lights,parols for the Star, and painted background scenery. A notable outdoor belén in Metro Manila is the one that used to be at the COD building in Cubao, Quezon City. In 2003, the belén was transferred to the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan when the COD building closed down. This belén is a lights and sounds presentation, the story being narrated over speakers set up and most probably using automatons to make the figures move up and down, or turn, etc. Each year, the company owning it changes the theme from the Nativity Story, with variations such as a fairground story, and Santa Claus' journey.

Tarlac City, Tarlac is known as the Belén Capital of the Philippines holds the annual "Belenísmo sa Tarlac". It is a belén-making contest which is participated by establishments and residents in Tarlac. Giant versions of the belén with different themes are displayed in front of the establishments and roads of Tarlac for the entire season. (Wiki)

Well given a time, pieces of paper, coloring material and adhesives with a handful of creativity and a bit of teamwork.  Creative Belens were created by the different grade levels. It was a site to behold as each grade level unfold their creative master pieces.  Its not just a piece of artwork but a symbol, a reminder that GOd is with us.  Emmanuel! Gloria in excelsis Deo! It's trully a flame from God. 

Advance Merry Christmas! 

And the Kids are lovin' it! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS! IN ADVANCE! 

GOD BLESS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADE 1 - For Being the Winner of the Belen Making Contest

Parent assisted category.