Retreat for the Deaf 2012 Held

Aiming to strengthen their spirituality, 34 Deaf students of La Salle University (LSU), School for the Deaf, Ozamiz City gathered for a two-day Deaf Retreat March 2-4, 2012. The Retreat for the Deaf is one of the yearly activities of the School for the Deaf. It was held at Bernad's Farm in Kinuman Norte, Ozamiz Cit with the theme: “Pause Ponder and Pray” had Br. Dennis Libarnes, PMS,Br. Niño Cababat, PMS with seminarians Rio Roxas and Dannyboy Laranio from the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf in Cebu City as the facilitators. The ministry of the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf is to help the spiritual formation of Deaf individuals. The facilitators used sign language during the retreat. The highlight of the retreat was the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation of the individual Deaf participant from Rev. Fr. Ernesto Culanag. The deaf checked the illustrated items where they committed sins and received the absolution from the priest and prayed in sign language their penance. After the confession was the ritual or para-liturgy where they had symbolic burning of sins through putting their paper in a clay jar and burned. There was Personal and group reflections made as well as dramatizing the mysteries of the holy rosary. Also, there were different team building activities done. The deaf had their deaf way cultural show and showcased their talents. The retreat for the Deaf was culminated with a Sunday interpreted Eucharistic celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Lhemn Naval at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish Ozamiz City.