Scholars learn more about the Bible in Lenten Recollection

On February 28, scholars from Ateneo de Naga University and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) – Pili Campus attended their annual Lenten recollection at the Madrigal Amphitheater.

Sr. Maria Culaway, DM, of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of the Church, was the talk-giver. She is the Coordinator of the Commission on Biblical Apostolate (Combiblia) of the Archdiocese of Caceres.

Don Bragais, an alumnus of the CCMF-Bikol’s Scholarship Program and 2018 graduate of Ateneo de Naga University with a degree in AB Religious and Values Education, was the co-facilitator.

According to Sr. Maria, “God the Father is just like the father of the prodigal son because every day He is waiting for us \to understand His word in the Bible; that is why the Word is waiting for us to read it. He is waiting for us to show up so we can recollect ourselves through confession every time we fail.”

To further promote the devotion to the Scriptures, the participants received a Bible and a guide to One Chapter A Day, a project of Combiblia, which encourages a daily reading of the Bible.

According to Arlan Mar G. Belason, a scholar from ADNU, the recollection provided fresh insights into scriptures, “During the recollection, I realized that the Bible should not just be read quickly, but understood and reflected upon. This experience has encouraged me to be more open and thoughtful when reading.”

Hanna Faye Januario, an ADNU scholar, also emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual pause. Januario notes: “it reminded me to pause and reflect on my life, my choices, and my relationship with God. As a student, we sometimes forget to slow down and think about what truly matters. This recollection gave me the chance to step back from my usual routine and spend time reflecting on my faith.”

More stories