More than 100 staff from the Archdiocesan Curia and various parishes gathered today at the Filipiniana Hall of the Archbishop’s Residence on D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City, for a Lenten Recollection.
Fr. Christian Dale Dakila, Personal Secretary to the Bishop and Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna, facilitated the recollection on the theme: “Listening Hearts, Living Church: Becoming Fully Alive in God.”
Anchored on Lent as a season of prayerful pause, Fr. Dakila invited participants to embrace three movements: Stop, Look, and Listen—to step away from distractions, recognize God’s presence even in trials, and open one’s heart to His voice.
The recollection culminated in the celebration of the Holy Mass. In his homily, Fr. Dakila urged the faithful to resist hardened hearts and instead become receptive to God’s grace.
“Is our heart deep, or is it already full because we have not learned to forgive and still carry unfinished burdens? Is our heart clean, or are we too busy with things that lead us away from God? And lastly, has our love for God grown cold, or is it still burning strong? These questions help us look into our hearts and prepare for the coming Holy Week. May we continue to ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus to shape our hearts, so that His heart may become our own,” said Fr. Dale.
Today’s session offers an opportunity for all church workers and volunteers to connect, share, and reflect on their experiences, strengthening their faith as they serve the Lord in their ministry.