by: Ms. Hanna Bentain
From May 21 to 23, 2025, the Lay Mission Partners of Don Bosco Formation Center, composed of both teaching and non-teaching staff, embarked on a pilgrimage retreat with the theme “In Every Step, His Presence.” More than just a journey to holy sites, it became a spiritual walk of reflection, communion, and renewal in the gentle and guiding presence of God.
The three-day pilgrimage retreat began with visits to three Jubilee churches in the northern part of Cebu: the Parish and Archdiocesan Shrine of Santiago in Compostela, the Parish of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva in Danao City, and the Parish and Archdiocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Bogo City. At each church, the group prayed together and experienced personal moments of silent encounter with God. With every step, the theme resonated—God was present not only in the destination but in the journey itself.
They continued their spiritual journey on the island of Bantayan. The second day opened with the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided over by Fr. Erwin Joey E. Cabilan, SDB, followed by a reflective retreat session with Br. John Raymond F. Montejo, SDB. With his calm presence and deep spirituality, Br. John created an atmosphere of reflection and inner stillness, gently guiding the group into a more personal and prayerful encounter with God. The group continued their pilgrimage by visiting sacred sites on the island: the Immaculate Conception Parish in Madridejos, the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Bantayan, and the Sto. Niño Parish in Sta. Fe. Br. John not only guided the group spiritually but also provided historical backgrounds of each church, reminding everyone that the story of salvation unfolds in places both big and small, familiar and new.
Amidst the spiritual pace of the retreat, the group also had the opportunity to simply be with one another and with nature. That afternoon, everyone enjoyed a refreshing swim—a fun and much-needed pause that allowed bodies to relax, laughter to resurface, and spirits to bond beyond the formal moments of the retreat.
In the evening, the group gathered again, this time for a rosary by the shore—a serene yet subtly challenging moment of prayer. With the music and sounds of the evening beach in the background, the contrast was striking. It became an unexpected but powerful spiritual exercise: To what will we give our focus? The noise of the world, or the gentle invitation to center our hearts on God? That quiet moment by the sea offered not only prayer but a small, meaningful prompt to choose what truly matters—even in distraction. The day concluded with group sharing and the Sacrament of Reconciliation—a beautiful moment of grace where hearts were unburdened, spirits renewed, and God’s mercy embraced. The quiet joy of that evening lingered in every soul.
The retreat’s timing was providential, taking place during the Triduum of the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, the beloved patroness of the Salesian Family. On the final day, as they returned to Cebu, the group made their last pilgrimage stop at the Capelinha de Fatima Replica in San Remigio and celebrated the Holy Mass on the visperas of the feast. It was a fitting conclusion: to place the fruits of the journey at the feet of Mary, Help of Christians, who has always walked beside her children with maternal care.
This retreat was made meaningful through the support of many. We thank Fr. Erwin Joey Cabilan, SDB, for guiding us spiritually throughout the pilgrimage and helping us appreciate the grace of the sacraments. We are also grateful to Br. John Raymond Montejo, SDB, for leading us in prayerful reflection and preparing a journey that touched both heart and soul. And to the Salesian community of Don Bosco Formation Center—especially Fr. Adrian Mendoza, SDB, and Fr. Rhine Marco Bollozos, SDB—for their support, intercessory prayers, and encouragement.
“In Every Step, His Presence” was not just a theme—it was a lived experience. Every Mass, every Rosary, every stop, every silent moment, and every shared prayer was filled with grace. The retreat reminded us that being Lay Mission Partners is not just about the work we do, but about the faith that carries us—walking together, following Christ, and allowing His presence to shape us in every step.