USC Montessori Academy Campus Ministry

SAN CARLOS SCHOOL OF CEBU
LENTEN RECOLLECTION | MARCH 13, 2026

Witnessing the Word, Walking Together: A Lenten Journey Toward New Life

With Fr. Sonny de Rivera, SVD

Our recent recollection became a sacred space where we learned again the grace of listening with the heart. In the spirit of synodality, we were reminded that the journey of faith is never meant to be walked alone. Instead, we walk together—listening deeply to God’s Word and to one another.

Listening with the heart means being open to others beyond our own opinions and judgments. It means truly paying attention and recognizing Christ in the stories, struggles and joys that people share. When we do this, we become witnesses of the Word not just through what we say but through how we walk with and support one another on the journey.

This reflects the spirit of synodality. As Pope Francis reminds us the Church is called to walk together. We listen to one another we discern together and we make decisions together. In this way the whole community journeys in faith while witnessing the Word and moving toward the new life that God promises.

We thank our facilitator Fr. Sonny de Rivera, SVD for guiding us in reflection and helping us grow in listening with the heart during this meaningful recollection.

San Carlos School of Cebu
Lenten Recollection for Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff

March 13
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
North Campus, Norton Hall

Theme: “Witnessing to the Word, Walking Together: A Lenten Journey Toward New Life.”

With
Fr. Sonny De Rivera, SVD

STATIONS OF THE CROSS with MA-Community.

In prayer and reflection, our community gathered today for the Stations of the Cross as part of our Lenten observance. Together, we walked with Christ on His journey to Calvary, remembering His suffering and great love for us. May this prayer deepen our faith, inspire conversion of heart, and lead us to live more faithfully as His disciples.

Yesterday, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation.

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen us in faith!

Presider:

Msgr. Rogelio T. Fuentes, PC
vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cebu

February 28, 2026 | 8:00AM

With joy in our hearts, we celebrate the First Holy Communion of our lower elementary students.

May this special day help them grow in faith and love for Jesus in the Eucharist.

Presider:
Rev. Fr. Arvin R. Jayma, SVD

This Ash Wednesday, let us return to the Lord with humble hearts, remembering that we are dust, yet deeply loved and called to renewal.

ASH WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 18, WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM

He didn’t plan to start an order.
He just wanted to care for a few girls no one noticed.

The Church calls him St. Gilbert of Sempringham.

A quiet parish priest in medieval England, Gilbert lived simply. No ambition for fame. No hunger for power.

But he saw something others ignored—poor village girls who longed for education, dignity, and a life for God.

So he opened his home.
He taught them.
He guided them.
He protected them.

What began small began to grow.

Soon there were women living in prayer. Then lay sisters. One man’s quiet “yes” became the only religious order ever founded in England—the Gilbertines.

It wasn’t easy.

There were accusations.
Jealousy.
False charges that could have destroyed his name.

Gilbert didn’t defend himself with anger.
He trusted God.

He led with humility, insisting he was just a servant. Even as founder, he chose the lowest place.

St. Gilbert of Sempringham teaches us:
Great works begin with small faithfulness.
Holiness grows in hidden villages.
Leadership means service.

If your calling feels small…
If you serve without recognition…
If you’re building something slowly and quietly…

This saint reminds us: God multiplies humble beginnings.

St. Gilbert of Sempringham, pray for us.

Love was illegal.
He chose it anyway.

The Church calls him St. Valentine of Rome.

A priest in a time of persecution, Valentine lived when the Roman Empire feared commitment. Emperor Claudius II believed single men made better soldiers—so he banned marriages.

Valentine disagreed.

In secret, he united couples in Christian marriage.
Whispers in the night.
Vows before God.
Love sealed in courage.

He was arrested.
Beaten.
Imprisoned.

But even in chains, he kept loving.

Tradition says he befriended his jailer’s blind daughter and prayed for her healing. Before his ex*****on, he wrote her a note signed, “From your Valentine.”

Then he gave his life.

St. Valentine teaches us:
Real love is sacrificial.
Marriage is holy.
Faithfulness is worth suffering for.

If the world cheapens love…
If commitment feels countercultural…
If loving costs you something…

This saint reminds us: true love is brave.

St. Valentine of Rome, pray for us.**

“The Lord is the Life and the Resurrection; in Him death has no final word.
In our faith, Jesus Christ stands as the holy bridge between life and death,
the narrow way that leads from the grave into glory.
Therefore, we do not walk in blindness,
for in the sight of God we are seen, known, and called by name.” - Fr. Mike

“May the Lord grant eternal rest to Jose Noli, the beloved father of Teacher Carmel. May perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace.”

“No matter a person’s status in life in death we all stand the same and equal without rank or title. In our faith this truth reminds us to live righteously for when death comes it makes no distinctions among us. So we are called to ask ourselves how then are we choosing to live our lives today?” - Fr. Arvin

With this in our hearts we extend our deepest condolences to Teacher Carmel and her family on the passing of her father. May you find comfort in faith strength in cherished memories and peace in knowing that he is now at rest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

She didn’t preach to crowds.
She didn’t found empires.
She prayed—and heaven listened.

The Church calls her St. Scholastica.

Twin sister of St. Benedict, Scholastica chose a life hidden with God. While her brother built monasteries, she built something just as strong: a heart rooted in prayer.

Once a year, the twins met to speak of God. When evening came, Benedict insisted on leaving to keep his rule. Scholastica begged him to stay and continue their holy conversation.

He refused.

So she prayed.

Suddenly, a violent storm broke out—thunder, rain, and darkness. Benedict could not leave.

Scholastica smiled.

“God forgave me,” she said, “because I asked with love.”

Three days later, Benedict saw her soul rise to heaven like a dove.

St. Scholastica teaches us:
Prayer moves what rules cannot.
Love reaches where logic stops.
God listens to humble hearts.

If your prayers feel small…
If you think silence has no power…
If love is all you have to offer…

This saint reminds us: love that prays never goes unheard.

St. Scholastica, pray for us.

She was small in stature.
But impossible to ignore.

The Church calls her St. Colette.

Born to elderly parents after years of prayer, Colette grew up quiet, intense, and deeply in love with God. From a young age, she wanted only one thing: to belong completely to Christ.

She embraced poverty.
She chose silence.
She lived penance when comfort was easier.

God didn’t keep her hidden.

Against her will, she was sent to reform the Poor Clares—calling them back to prayer, simplicity, and radical trust. Many resisted. Some mocked her. Others tried to stop her.

She didn’t soften the call.
She didn’t compromise.

Armed with nothing but faith, Colette crossed cities and kingdoms on foot, founding convents and restoring a forgotten fire. She suffered illness, opposition, and misunderstanding—yet never turned back.

St. Colette teaches us:
Holiness demands courage.
Reform begins with obedience.
Love sometimes looks severe—but it sets souls free.

If you feel called to go deeper…
If faith asks more than you expected…
If obedience feels lonely…

This saint reminds us: God strengthens those who dare to give everything.