A Journey of Gratitude, Healing, and Hope: PJPS Senior High and College Scholars Retreat 2026

On March 21 to 22, 2026, senior high school and college scholars of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. gathered at Loyola Retreat House in Angono, Rizal for a meaningful retreat rooted in gratitude, reflection, and renewed faith.

Coming from different formation areas such as the North, South, and nearby provinces including Batangas, Quezon, Antipolo, Bulacan, Pangasinan, and the Virtual Group Bicol, our scholars arrived with their own stories, struggles, and hopes. In the span of two days, they became one community, united in prayer and shared experience.

Guided by Rev. Fr. Bien Emmanuel C. Cruz, SJ, the retreat began with a powerful invitation to recognize that gratefulness is the beginning of prayer. Through sessions such as Portrait, Pasasalamat sa Awa at Bagong Buhay, and Pasasalamat sa mga Tao, the scholars were led to reflect deeply on their lives, recognize God’s presence, and appreciate the people who continue to support them.

Moments of guided silence and personal prayer created a sacred space for encounter. The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Confession and Reconciliation Service became powerful experiences of healing and renewal, allowing the scholars to surrender their burdens and rediscover God’s mercy.

Small group sharing, facilitated by PJPS staff, opened spaces where scholars courageously shared their personal journeys. In these moments, they realized that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is strength in listening and understanding one another.

As shared by Mica, a college scholar, the retreat became a meaningful journey of reflection and learning that deepened her compassion and trust in God. Loraine described it as a surprising experience of healing, where expressing long held emotions brought her peace and lightness. Reynalyn, a graduating scholar, reflected on the importance of appreciating even the simplest blessings and choosing kindness in everyday life.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the second day served as the culmination of the retreat, offering all experiences, reflections, and renewed commitments back to the Lord.

More than a formation activity, the PJPS Scholars Retreat 2026 became a sacred pause where scholars were invited to breathe, to heal, and to remember what truly matters. It affirmed that gratitude can transform perspective, faith can sustain the weary, and hope continues to grow even in the midst of challenges.

With grateful hearts, PJPS thanks Rev. Fr. Bien Emmanuel C. Cruz, SJ, the Loyola Retreat House Spirituality and Art Center in Angono for providing a sacred and welcoming space, our dedicated staff and facilitators, and all our scholars who generously opened their hearts. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our benefactors and sponsors whose generosity continues to make these meaningful experiences possible.

May the grace of this retreat continue to guide our scholars as they grow into compassionate, grounded, and purpose driven individuals.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

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