Deaf Recollection Held

Aiming to strengthen their spirituality, 45 Deaf teenagers from Iligan City, La Salle University (LSU), Ozamiz City, the Columban priests-run Hangop Kabataan, Pagadian City and the Columban Sisters-run Community of Hope Special Education Center this city, gathered for a two-day recollection November 13-14.

LSU Deaf School Coordinator Sarah Talibong said the Recollection for the Deaf is part of the celebration of the 2008 National Observance on Deaf Awareness Week with the theme “Ano DAW? Deaf Ako Walang Hadlang” on November 9–15, 2008.

The recollection for the Deaf held at the LSU Retreat Center with the theme: “Deaf Unity with God: Source of Reconciliation and Peace” had Bro. Dennis Libarnes, PMS, from the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf, Cebu City as the retreat master.

“Each day had various activities with special emphasis on the spiritual formation for the deaf,” The ministry of the Gualandi Mission for the DEAF is to help the spiritual formation of the Deaf. Libarnes used sign language during the recollection.

The highlight of the recollection was the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation of the individual Deaf participants from LSU Spiritual Director Fr. Regidor Abalde. During the confession the Deaf wrote their sins on a piece of paper and the priest read it and after the confession was the ritual or para-liturgy where they put their sins in a clay jar for burning.

The recollection for the Deaf culminated with the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Abalde at La Salle University Art Center and Bro. Libarnes interpreted the Mass in sign language.“Religious formation for the Deaf is vital because it is a way of helping them to have fear in God and live in the right direction,” (Sarah Talibong)