18/07/2026
B A C O N G , N E G R O S O R I E N T A L - In an inspiring continuation of their holistic development program, the beneficiaries of the COSCA Caritas Free Meal program gathered at The Capernaums in Bacong, Negros Oriental, on the evening of July 17, 2026, for their Semestral Recollection.
The event focused heavily on spiritual and personal formation, offering the participantsโaffectionately known as the Catalinanโa meaningful space to pause, reflect, and find community. The spiritual journey concluded the following morning, July 18, as the group attended the 6:00 AM Holy Mass at the historic San Agustin de Hippo Parish.
The semestral recollection serves as the cornerstone of the formation program for COSCA Caritas beneficiaries. While the daily free meal program directly addresses physical hunger, this formation night was specifically designed to feed the soul.
Throughout the evening, the participants engaged in guided meditations, shared community stories, and took part in quiet introspection. The peaceful ambiance of The Capernaums provided the perfect backdrop for the beneficiaries to distance themselves from daily stressors and focus inward.
A recollection is more than just a gathering; it is a vital pause from the hardships of daily life to reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with God. For the Catalinan, this semestral activity offered profound personal and communal benefits:
Inner Peace and Mental Rest: It provided a quiet, stress-free space for the beneficiaries to step away from daily economic anxieties and find mental clarity.
Strengthened Faith: Through structured talks and shared prayers, the participants deepened their personal relationship with God, finding hope amid challenges.
Moral and Spiritual Formation: The sessions helped cultivate values of gratitude, resilience, and love for neighbors, reinforcing the core principles of Caritas.
Sacramental Healing: The opportunity for Confession allowed attendees to experience genuine emotional relief, forgiveness, and a fresh spiritual start.
The success of this meaningful event was made possible through the collaboration of dedicated spiritual leaders and community coordinators.
The community extends its deepest gratitude to Rev. Msgr. Christian Durango, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Dumaguete, who served as the Recollection Speaker. Msgr. Durango's moving words offered profound inspiration to the Catalinan. Beyond delivering the talks, he generously extended his pastoral care by administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), giving the participants a direct experience of God's mercy and grace.
Immeasurable thanks also go to the Research, Development and Community Engagement Services (RDCES) Office, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ma. Lina Eparwa, Vice President for RDCES. The entire RDCES team's tireless dedication ensured that the event ran smoothly, providing a safe, nourishing, and uplifting environment for everyone involved.
As the COSCA Caritas program continues its noble mission of holistic community empowerment, this recollection stands as a beautiful testament to what can be achieved when a community invests not just in physical nourishment, but in the ultimate care of the human soul.
May God continue to bless the organizers, volunteers, and the beloved Catalinan!
Fides, Spes, Caritas
