The Days of Fraternal Sharing (DFS) that took place from November 17 to 19, 2023, at the Redemptorist Holy Family Retreat House in Lahug, Cebu City. Cebu just celebrated 500 years of Catholicism to commemorate the Introduction of Catholicism when Magellan leading a Spanish expedition arrived in the Philippines in 1521.
It was not just a gathering event but a celebration of Guide’s Prayer and Life. With 188 Guides coming from the Five National Coordinations – Australia, Filipinas Norte, Filipinas Central, Filipinas Sur 1, and Filipinas Sur 2 – the event was a remarkable gathering of Guides responding to the Lord’s mission. Under the theme “Set the World on Fire”, the event was graced by the International leadership, consisting of Sister Lorena Rodriguez, the International Coordinator, Sister Puri Vilar, the International Secretary, and Sister Mercedes Sanz, the International Treasurer.
The highlights of the three-day event were diverse and inspiring. On the first day, the delegations were welcomed and the different Local Coordinations were introduced. The first day also welcomed all the Guides thru the celebration of the Eucharist officiated by the Most Reverent Bishop Guillermo Afable the Diocese of Digos. The second day was marked by updates from the International Team and the sharing of various missionary activities. A special highlight of the second day was the cultural show, which showcased the various talents of the Guides, as well as the meaningful exchange of gifts.
The third and final day was crowned by the concluding mass with His Excellency, the Most Reverend Archbishop Jose Palma of the Archdiocese of Cebu City including the commitment rites renewing the guide’s faithfulness to the mission.
The Days of Fraternal Sharing were more than just a gathering; they were a sign of community, exchange, and inspiration that will set the world on fire. We have also attained as One United Family gathered in one Spirit that ignites more to Go Forth in Mission as Padre Ignacio’s prophecy that we Filipinos are the light of Asia which is also the challenge given us by Archbishop Afable, Archbishop Palma and Fr. Boy, with love in our hearts for God, to set the world on fire, the commitment to go where the Lord instructs us to go and bear fruit for the Lord will look for it and to continue to live our Spirituality of a life of prayer, detachment and humility and realizing the golden dream of Jesus.
