From Hope to Mission: Advent with Christ our Light

The Association of Pauline Cooperators of Lingayen and Alaminos (Pangasinan) joyfully gathered on Gaudete Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Jesus Good Shepherd Development Center in Lingayen for a meaningful Advent Recollection and Christmas Program/Party, celebrated in the warm company of the Pastorelle Sisters. The day unfolded as a sacred pause from the busyness of life itself, to experience silence, to reflect on the holy season of Advent, to “prepare Him room”, express gratitude, and renew Pauline commitment.

The gathering began with a spiritually-enriching Advent Recollection facilitated by Sr. Ma. Veronica Gungon, SJBP, whose gentle guidance led the participants into deeper reflection on the mystery of waiting, hope, and preparation for the coming of Christ. As she accompanied the participants along the path of meditation on “Christ Our Light: Waiting in Hope, Living in Mission,” hearts were stirred, faith renewed, and souls were quietly anchored once more in the true spirit of Advent.

Before lunch, the community had a moment of Eucharistic Adoration, reverently centering the entire celebration on Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. This sacred pause was followed by the veneration of the image of the Baby Jesus in the manger, an intimate expression of faith that united contemplation of the Eucharistic Christ with the mystery of the Incarnation. These moments beautifully embody the Eucharistic life of the Paulines, as tirelessly taught by the Founder, Blessed James Alberione.

After the shared meal, the celebration continued with a vibrant Christmas program where everyone actively participated through games and special presentations colored by spontaneous moments of joy, in which the simple, sincere, and deeply communal Christmas felt in its purest form.

The day concluded with grateful hearts and smiling faces as we shared the greetings of peace of the Child Jesus. We brought home the quiet grace of Advent = a reminder that Christmas is best celebrated when faith, hope, and love come together.

Von Ryan Torio

APC Aspirant