Sisters of Sion in the Philippines recently experienced this powerful truth during a prayer afternoon with young women in Barangay Kiloloron, Real Quezon Province. The event blended prayer, reflection and community building, offering a space for the young women to connect deeply with each other and with their faith.
Lunch.
Participants were enthusiastic about the day, which included time for lunch together and recreational activities alongside spiritual reflection. Their feedback after the event revealed a sense of happiness and joy, and an appreciation of the mix of moods, ranging from contemplative to fun. Renalyn noted, “The activities we did are what bonded us, helping us to get to know each other better and deepen our faith in God.”
The “Welcome into Sunday” was a special part of the gathering for all the participants. This is a moment of both remembrance and anticipation: remembrance of the Creation and the arrival of the seventh day when God finished his work and rested, as described in Genesis (Bible)/Bereshit (Torah); and anticipation of Sunday, day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ for Christians.
Every Saturday, Sion sisters all over the world observe the Welcome into Sunday, with prayer and music in both Hebrew and their local language, as well as sharings about the past week. Sometimes friends join in. The blessing of the bread and wine in Hebrew is often something new for those taking part for the first time. Niña Mary was delighted to learn the importance of the Sabbath and Sunday, and the significance of candles, wine and bread.
The sisters who led the activities – Sr Joselia, Sr Leah, Sr Beth and Sr Crystal – found the afternoon most rewarding. “It was a great experience for each of us,” confirmed Beth.
“I noticed a sweet mystery in the happy atmosphere of our youth!” said Joselia, adding, “Their sharing the Word of God and their spirituality touched us in our inner depths”.
Crystal agreed: “I enjoyed our sharing on the different ways we relate with God and express our faith,” she said, “And I wondered how we sisters could help them explore more, deepen the relationship they already have.”
There is much to ponder for the young Sion community in the Philippines.
